Holding the door for the next person is so much a tradition here at BC. People will hold the door for the next one even the next one is probably miles away... Also, don't use trays in cafeteria!! It's just, no one use that, even though you have a bunch of stuff in your arm.

What to do for fun

There are millions of activities in campus every week,so you'll never need to worry where to go. Most of them don't need a membership and people can just go. Also, the retreat is a big tradition in BC and is highly recommended! Take a weekend break and just go with new friends to think and really get to talk about life, identity, goals and so on. So much fun and so much meaningful.

Food and Dining

Hehe, you know...

Dorm Life

Four stars for the RA! Our RA organized activities every Wednesday night and even bought us Sushi twice!! Also the floor felt like a big family to me. But one thing is that the back door is always locked, which is so inconvenient.

Academic Rigor

GO FIND THE PROFESSOR!!!! This is probably the most important thing here. As I said, faculties at BC are so willing to help students , but you need to get to them first!!!

Tips for prospective students

Love yourself, love your life and love the people around you.

In three sentences

BC is a place where you will be both busy and reflective. People here at BC are so willing to guide you and help you, and all you need to do is to reach out to them. Be true to yourself.

Mario from Oceanside, NY

Boston College has a blue light system that allerts the campus police who will then arrive within sixty seconds.

Bang for the buck

Boston College is extremely expensive and only gives financial aid to less than 50% of the students. They also only have one scholarship that they give to about fifteen freshman each year. While it is expensive, I do believe that you will be getting more than what you paid for here.

Food and Dining

There are a variety of choices for food at Boston College. There are stations for different types of food that can serve practically anything you could want from a college. Along with this they also have a chocolate bar which is a definite plus.

Dorm Life

The dorm life is almost all on campus except for some during tueir junior year. Even during that year, Boston College will help you find and rent a place to live during that year. They are currently building more dorms for these students so that 100% of students can live on campus.

Academic Rigor

Boston College is for students who were the tops of their classes which makes the claases a lot harder than at other schools.

In three sentences

Out of all of the colleges I visited in Boston, Boston College was the most beautiful and had the most to offer. Boston College has great academics that are accompanied by an amazing chance to increase your faith.

Katelyn from Taunton, MA

12/31/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

I feel very secure on campus because there are BC police as well as the blue light system everywhere. I love that we have our own campus instead of a city school with other buildings mixed in between. BC is its own property with nothing on it other than BC buildings, so it is secure.

Clubs and Activities

The student activities fair shows off all of the hundreds of clubs available for people to join. It may sound cliche but there is literally something for everyone to join. Since we do not have greek life, the clubs become like your little family, but it is better because you can be doing something you love and have in common. Most clubs are also welcoming to people trying new things, so there are many growth opportunities or places where you can develop new experiences.

What to do for fun

BC has so many clubs to join that can all be learned about at the student activities fair. It is so easy to get involved and everyone is super involved and busy all the time. I love how enthusiastic everyone is about the clubs they participate in and they become an instant group of friends you can have something in common with. There is also a high level of spirit on campus and attending sports events is a lot of fun.

Food and Dining

There are many options for food and dining and most of the choices are rather good. However, the meal plan costs a lot of money especially for people who do not eat every meal or who do not eat a lot. I had a lot of money left over both semesters of my freshman year because there are not lower amounts of money you can choose from as a freshman.

Dorm Life

I loved living on Newton and how everyone there became really close like a family. However, the sophomore dorms leave much to be desired because it is much more difficult than I thought to live with numerous people. It was much easier having only one roommate. The RA's are also not very helpful.

Academic Rigor

All of the classes that I have taken so far have been very informative and challenging. There are definitely no classes that I can just take lightly or blow off. Everything requires a lot of hard work and discipline, but the material is interesting and I have learned quite a lot so far.

Tips for prospective students

I would definitely advise prospective students to think hard about what they want to major in before they apply to Boston College. There are 4 schools within Boston College and when you apply, you pick one specific one to apply to. While it is okay to be undecided in the Arts and Sciences school, it is hard to switch from one school to another since some of the programs are designed to start right from freshman year. For example, I am in the Lynch School of Education and we had required classes the first and second semester of freshman year. If someone wanted to transfer into Lynch they would be slightly behind and it may be difficult to catch up depending on the schedule.

In three sentences

I absolutely love Boston College and everything it has to offer. The academic prestige is challenging but rewarding and the campus activities are numerous and extremely fun. The campus is beautiful and the spirit on campus is felt from a mile away.

Claudia from McHenry, IL

11/06/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

No matter what time of night I am out walking, I feel safe. I'm a girl with a pretty small frame, and I feel confident making that statement. There are lots of emergency telephones dispersed throughout campus, and BC PD is a very reliable source of security. You can even call Eagle Escorts to take you home if you don't feel safe for any reason, free of charge and no questions asked.

Greek Life

BC does not have Greek Life, but we more than make up for it in all the clubs and activities to get involved with. And if you're looking for a party scene, look no further than the senior Mods housing. You'll see what I mean when you get here.

Clubs and Activities

Like I have mentioned, BC has extensive club and activity options. They are well-funded and a ton of fun to be in. There is something for everyone, and all the groups are incredibly inclusive and want you to join.

Great for these types of students

If you are motivated, adventurous, and love learning, BC is the place for you.

Bang for the buck

BC is pretty expensive at almost $60000 a year, and financial aid isn't always generous. However, you are getting a high quality education that you might not get at a cheaper school. Although it is pretty painful taking out those student loans, you know you will get your money's worth in an education that will lead you to accomplish great things. With a BC education under your belt, you'll be able to find work/get into grad school, which will ultimately lead to paying off those hefty loans anyway. So, overall, it is worth the money.

What to do for fun

There are a million ways to have fun at BC! First of all, we are so close to 2 T stations that will get you into Boston in a snap. Also, there are clubs and activities for any person's interests. Whether you like music, sports, volunteering, theatre, academic clubs, or just about anything, there's a student group for you. There's even a Baking Club! You can never be bored at BC; something is always going on. There are tons of events that are either free or of little charge. The first weekend I was at BC, there was a free carnival in the stadium, complete with laser tag, fun inflatable rides, airbrush tattoo station, and carnival food. Everything was free, even the tattoos and unlimited free cotton candy, hotdogs, etc. There is never a dull moment at BC unless you sit in your room all day.

Food and Dining

There's no denying: BC has great food. It's all freshly made and trustworthy to consume. There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for those who need them. However, if you only eat at the Mac every day, the options can become pretty tiresome. Mix it up by trying different dining halls, and your palate will be pleased by the wide variety! Eagle's Nest has especially good lunch selections, the Chocolate Bar is a delicious little cafe... there are many hidden little dining areas where the best selections can be found, but the search/walk/extra time are all worth it!

Dorm Life

This mostly depends on which building you end up in and the preferences of your RA. However, most of the dorms have plenty of fun programs for bonding with your fellow hallmates as well as letting loose when you're not in class. Most RAs are fairly lenient with evening activities; a few are a bit strict, however. It's pretty much luck of the draw.

Academic Rigor

BC is often referred to as almost an Ivy. Its academic standards increase year by year. BC has even nabbed a few Harvard professors (it's easier to get tenure here). Therefore, classes are rigorous and thorough, but not impossible. It depends on the individual, but good grades are definitely achievable...only if the student is willing to devote a significant amount of time to studying and thinking, however.

Tips for prospective students

In your application, really talk about WHY you want an education (especially from an institution so thoroughly grounded in societal morals). Think about how you can positively influence the world with what you learn, and how you can improve the lives of others while doing something you are passionate about. BC wants students like that: motivated young people with a desire to contribute to society and pursue their passions.

In three sentences

Boston College is an ideal school. With a mid-sized undergraduate body of around 9000 students, ample major options, a beautiful and navigable campus, and wonderful and accessible professors, it was an easy decision to decide to go here. Nothing else can compare to BC's atmosphere and credentials; it feels like home, AND its education standards nearly match those of the Ivy League.

Clubs are super important for your social outlet. No greek life means the sports teams and clubs rule the campus. Join what truly interests you and you will have an amazing time. It is possible to become over-involved and spread yourself too thin. Club sports are typically very competitive, so it can be difficult to make the team.

Great for these types of students

Work hard play hard. Well-rounded and like to excel in everything.

What to do for fun

Join clubs that interest you. Try out for a club sport, or create your own intramural team. Boston is accessible by the T, so you can spend time out exploring, learning at museums, or shopping.

Food and Dining

BC dining offers a lot more options than other colleges. Salad and yogurt bars are open all day as healthy alternatives and the school makes vegetarian and gluten free options.

Dorm Life

A few buildings lack air conditioning, but it isn't needed after the first few weeks of the year. Some buildings are nice, others are not picture perfect but are always clean and comfortable.

Academic Rigor

The classes, for the most part, aren't jokes. You will learn a lot and your grades are proportional to the effort you put into them. At the same time, its not enough to drive you crazy, and everyone still has plenty of time for socialization and fun.

Tips for prospective students

Join any clubs that interest you! Try the New England Classic.

In three sentences

A great overall experience. Students dedicated to working and doing well, but also having a fun time. Student activities are a vital social outlet.

Anna from Aliso Viejo, CA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has not been to campus.

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Campus Safety

Like every good college, BC has it's own police department. It uses a blue light system where one can press a button and a police officer will be there shortly.

Clubs and Activities

There are many different clubs and organizations on campus!! They are very easy to join, as well. You can join online through the BC portal and find out more that way.

What to do for fun

There is a lot to do in Chestnut Hill itself, with most of the restaurants and centers being a 15 minute walk from BC. Otherwise, Boston is a 30 minute ride via the Green Line from the college.

Food and Dining

The college has 11 dining houses and many places to eat off campus in Chestnut Hill and Boston.

Dorm Life

I have not personally visited the dorms (yet), but from what I heard they are very comfortable and various. There are the normal dorms with two or three people to a dorm, or sometimes four, and then you have the apartment or suite style dorms. Those have more people to a room and you are responsible for keeping it clean.

Academic Rigor

From what I heard the classes are not horribly difficult but they are challenging.

Tips for prospective students

Be very involved on campus in high school or on your college campus if you are planning to transfer to BC. Have an idea of what you want to major in and take a few classes to back it up. This way you can write about your interest smartly.

Julia from East Falmouth, MA

05/26/2014

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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In three sentences

I visited BC in April and the campus is beautiful and clean. Students seemed happy to be there and every person that passed me smiled. My tour guide was also very informative and he was only a freshman!

There's a club or activity for absolutely anything that you can dream up

Great for these types of students

Great for type-A personalities, but there truly is a place for any personality here on campus

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

EVERYBODY works out

Bang for the buck

Very pricey, but they truly educate the whole person which is what you're coming to BC for, right?

What to do for fun

BC has a fantastic location - right outside of Boston! There's so much to do even when you're under 21. Going into the city for daily excursions or for the nightlife is common for BC students. On campus there's never a lack of anything to do. With a plethora of clubs, organizations, and sports teams you'll always have something fun and exciting to do

Food and Dining

The specialty dining locations are where you want to head if you're looking for a quality eat. But, the dining halls here are not bad at all with a good selection.

Dorm Life

Some dorms are MUCH better than others- but all in all most everyone ends up liking their dorm experience

Academic Rigor

This school is very committed to educating the entire person - and that is done partly be loading on the work. The classes are challenging and the work load is heavy.

Tips for prospective students

Come prepared for a heavy workload. It's extremely important to learn how to balance your life - At BC the students live the work hard, play hard mentality to the fullest. In order to fit in all of the social activities and most importantly academic requirements you have to be ready to work hard!

In three sentences

It's a Jesuit- Catholic university The best decision. Never boring - between academics and activities there is always something to do and something for EVERYONE.

Samantha from Camarillo, CA

the campus is super safe, i've never felt in danger ever, and they have an escort service available if you do

Greek Life

we don't have any

Bang for the buck

BC is pricey no doubt, but your college experience is what you make it. you can juice it for every cent, or you can watch the years flow by. your choice

What to do for fun

Go into the city join a club join a sport join a singing group volunteer go on a service trip

Food and Dining

Food is actually a lot better at BC than most other universities. Everyone loves late night where mozzarella sticks and chicken fingers abound... They do specialty nights every once in a while with themes, and have fun desserts pretty often.

Dorm Life

Dorm life has its ups and downs. If you like to party, then CLFX and Fitzaga are the dorms for you on upper. Lower is definitely noisy on the weekends, so figure out the best sleeping arrangement that will keep you happy! Dorms are a great way to meet friends! Public bathrooms can be a drag and can be disgusting in some of the party dorms.... be careful of the vomit.

Academic Rigor

BC is definitely a great school academically. The teachers really know their stuff here and they can challenge you if you are open to it. A lot of people don't seem to do a ton of work and get by, but a lot of students are actually really focused on doing well.

Tips for prospective students

Get a charlie card right away, and force yourself to go into the city! Don't use the trays in the dining hall. If you have a key for your room, don't lose it because it is expensive. Be grateful if you're not on Newton. Try and join clubs and get involved, but if you get rejected, don't be discouraged, there are plenty of options! Utilize your teachers.

In three sentences

BC is a great place to go to get a classic, New England education! The teachers, in my experience, have been very approachable and knowledgeable, and everyone on campus is quite helpful! The biggest drawback is the uniformity and exclusivity of some of the student body, but everyone can find their niche.

A bit on the expensive side but it will offer you amazing job prospects coming out of school.

Food and Dining

Could use more variety.

Dorm Life

Best dorm experience coming out of high school.

Academic Rigor

Although it is a fun school, students can be very competitive.

Tips for prospective students

You will have a great time at Boston College but will work hard.

In three sentences

Go to BC if you want to have fun but get a premium education. Professors and deans care about student education as much as health and having fun. Alumni connections and job prospects are incredible coming from Boston College.

Student from NY

12/31/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

We have Blue lights all over campus, As well as eagle escort which will drive students to and from campus locations or 2 miles away. Also has walking escorts. Also in a town that is always in the top 5 list of safe communities.

Big into Service and learning about what you are good at, what you enjoy , and what the world needs you to be.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

School is very big on sports, and has traditions that go with that. The Boston MArathon runners pass BC so we cheer them on.

Bang for the buck

SO many opportunities.

What to do for fun

There are numerous clubs on campus that you can not only join or simply go to their events. The city of Boston is also a great place to explore.

Food and Dining

The food is really good , we are always ranked highly. We have about 10 different places to dine and we are on a a-la-carte system. So all your food is made right in front of you and you pay for what you want . (If you want a quick snack you pay the $2 for that rather than using a whole meal swipe). All menus are posted online and dining halls are usually open from 8am-12am ( till 2am on weekends).

Dorm Life

Dorm life is really good as a freshman majority 90% will have doubles and the rest will have triples ( by choice) and singles ( medical need). Sophomores can either live in similar style housing or in suites with a kitchenette. Most Juniors live off campus since that is the year they also study abroad ( 1 semester off campus the other abroad). Some Juniors however do choose to live on campus. Seniors live in the Mods ( little houses) or townhouses. There are special housing options all four years. Everyone is guaranteed either 3 or 4 years of housing which will be stated on your acceptance letter.

Academic Rigor

If you seek the multiple outlets for help and focus you will do well. We do have a core curriculum which is under review so make sure you review the current classes you will have to take to graduate when you are applying.

Tips for prospective students

Please do your research on the school. We have four schools Arts and Sciences, School of Management, School of Education and School of Nursing.... Boston College does not offer Engineering. We are a medium sized school 6 miles out of the city of Boston.

They have what is called the Strip Mod every year where the same senior modular housing puts on a show outside of their house in the freezing cold. It is like a scene out of Magic Mike.

Bang for the buck

You can totally get your bang for your buck at Boston College so long as you keep your ears and eyes open for the things that BC has to offer.

What to do for fun

Go to speakers, go to the recreational plex, go into Boston, walk around the reservoir with a friend, play tennis, play basketball, play ping-pong, go to comedy shows, go to a capella shows.

Tips for prospective students

There are so many lesser known advantages to going to BC. Get to know BC students and you will be able to learn about the lesser known opportunities that BC has to offer.

In three sentences

Boston College is a place where ambitious, curious, and well-rounded students can excel. BC provides an immense amount of opportunities for students to learn and pursue their passions. There is always something to do on campus.

Shane from Derby, CT

BCPD is always a great resource for any problem you are having regardless of how minimal it may seem. They are great people who love to help everyone they can.

Greek Life

none

Clubs and Activities

There is literally a club for every area of interest.

Great for these types of students

Great for ambitious students who are ready to be challenged and brought to a higher level of learning and understanding of the world.

Bang for the buck

This university is everything I thought it would be and more. Completely worth every penny spent in choosing to come here.

What to do for fun

There are so many clubs on campus that you can get involved in and also make a difference. The location of Boston College also offers a cornucopia of opportunities for fun. We are located approximately 5 miles outside of Boston, MA. There is a plethora of restaurants, clubs and museums available- not to mention the rich Bostonian culture at your finger tips.

Food and Dining

The food is great. There are options for everyone here regardless of food allergy or whether you are trying to maintain a healthy diet. BC dining does a great job at providing delicious food for everyone here.

Dorm Life

The dorm life at Boston College is great. Everyone seems to foster a great sense of community within their own residence halls, and you are not stuck in the same residence hall every year. You move as the years progress, and our campus is small enough that the classrooms are about the same distance from where ever you are living on campus.

Academic Rigor

Boston College is ranked among the top national universities in the country, and even higher among research universities. The academic rigor is very intense, but it is worth coming because it produces an invaluable level of knowledge that is able to be utilized in and out of the classroom.

Tips for prospective students

I would advise prospective students to take classes that they would normally not take within their area of interest. The fact that Boston College is a liberal arts institution helps provoke that with our rigorous core curriculum, but I would challenge them to take even more, to diversify their knowledge in all subjects.

In three sentences

Boston College is an elite university breeding the leaders of tomorrow. Our motto is Men and Women for Others. We also like to follow the Catholic Jesuit Ignatian ideal of Lighting the World Aflame.

Elise from Saint Paul, MN

09/27/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

BC will always keep you safe. BCPD is always available, I've never felt unsafe. on campus. BC paramedics are always available and have a policy where they won't get you in trouble if you or a friend gets sick at a party. They take really good care of you and genuinely care about your safety, health, and happiness.

Greek Life

There is none, but it's okay. We have fun without it. If you really want to go to frat parties, a lot of people go to BU, MIT, or Harvard which are pretty close by.

Clubs and Activities

There are literally hundreds, for almost anything you'd want to do. If you don't find one you like, you can create one. They're super inclusive and are good ways to meet different kids of people, especially upperclassmen.

Great for these types of students

Work hard, play hard students. The academics are great, and almost everyone came to BC for that reason, but they also came because of the amazingly fun atmosphere that you won't miss if you decide to go to BC.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Mods - strictly senior housing. It's a collection of semi-haunted-house-looking buildings, all set up in rows kind of like a prison camp. They were originally constructed in the 70s as temporary housing, but they never left. They are literally constant parties, on the weekends as well as often on weeknights too. Lots of people just roam around and party hop at the Mods, freshman (especially boys) don't always get let in, but it's best if you can get an in with an upperclassmen who will be able to guarantee you safe passage.

What to do for fun

Meet people, go to parties, travel into Boston and explore the city. Take fitness classes at the Plex (recreation complex), sign up for intramural sports, go to big sporting events and tailgate. Even on weekends when there isn't anything special going on, BC students find ways to make it fun. There are a zillion volunteer opportunities through BC as well so be sure to go to the info meetings and get into those if that's your thing.

Food and Dining

The food is good. Although it can get repetitive, it's not bad by any means. There are always a lot of options to choose from and most people don't have a problem with the dining halls.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is really fun. The dorms are standard in terms of size and features (but try to avoid being in a forced-triple if you're a girl because those are cramped), and almost everyone on your floor and in your building will be nice and welcoming.

Academic Rigor

Classes aren't easy, you do have to work hard, but most students who attend BC have been doing just that all through high school so if you're committed, you should be fine.

Tips for prospective students

BC recently changed their ACT policy to one that SuperScores so be sure to take the test more than once if your performance was lopsided in certain section. If you're really interested in BC (or if you're not and want a head start), I highly recommend applying Early Action - there's no commitment involved and it's great to hear back sooner. Visit campus if you can because you'll fall in love with it. Don't be afraid to reach out to any current BC students; chances are they'll love to help you out as much as they can with your admissions process.

In three sentences

Great Jesuit school with the nicest people you'll find around. Ideal location near Boston which offers tons of opportunities off campus and in the greater community. People at BC love BC - there is so much school spirit, the sports atmosphere is great, and people rarely have a bad thing to say about Boston College.

Adriana from Vero Beach, FL

BC students are heavily involved and there are so many options to choose from! Be it music or service, do what you love and stay involved.

Great for these types of students

Preppy, sociable and highly intelligent students would fit in well here.

Bang for the buck

BC is very expensive and the financial aid can be limited. Its best to keep in contact with your financial aid counselor and be persistent.

What to do for fun

BC kids love a good party. Enough said.

Food and Dining

BC is consistently rated in the top for college dining. There are plenty of healthy and organic/natural options to choose from and the A La Carte dining system works well.

Dorm Life

Unfortunately, the dorms do not have air conditioning, and that's their one down side. Otherwise, the rooms are a little bigger than average, and halls are small so everyone can get to know each other.

Academic Rigor

BC is a top university, and thus, rigorous academics go along with that. Classes have require a lot of work, particularly reading, and move quite quickly. However, they are manageable and can extremely interesting.

Tips for prospective students

Stay organized and don't wait until the last minute! BC just recently started the supplemental essay as part of the application process. Use it to show BC what makes you special. BC looks for involved, unique individuals that can bring something to the university. Highlight what you're good at and the assets you could potentially bring.

In three sentences

Boston College is the epitome of work hard/play hard. Everyone here is friendly and sociable, while maintaining sky high GPA's. Also, everyone here is very very involved, particularly in volunteer work and service.

Lexa from East Quogue, NY

08/13/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

BC is right at the end of the T line into Boston so all of those opportunities are just a short ride away. Sometimes it feels hard to get out of the BC bubble but it's quite easy to get into the city. As a BC students there's free or discounted access to sites such as the Museum of Fine Arts or the Boston Aquarium so these are great to take advantage of. Chestnut Hill and Newton Centre have a lot of great restaurants so it's fun to take the BC bus up the street for good food too. Athletics are huge especially football and hockey and everyone gets dressed up (and drunk) to enjoy the games. Drinking is huge on the weekends with parties in the Mods and in off campus houses. The mentality is work hard play hard and people live by it. That being said there are a lot of opportunities for good clean fun. For example Nights on the Heights programs offer activities like paint balling. While drinking may seem the norm, it isn't hard to find people that are more interested in other endeavors. As a Jesuit university that focuses on service and reflection there are a lot of retreats offered (non-religious). These introduce you to new people that you may not have otherwise met and gives perspective to the otherwise busy life of a college student.

Food and Dining

The food is fine, not terrible and can be really good. Inevitably it gets extremely repetitive at the end of the semester. During prime dining times there will be lines, especially for the healthy options. Speaking of healthy food it is not extremely accessible or bereft of options so scoping it out before choosing is essential to finding what's right for you. The best food is located closer to the upperclassmen housing on lower campus. There is no bad place but the amount of options and quality dwindles the farther from this central locale. Switching up between the dining halls is good to increase to variety. The dining plan gives you a set amount of money to spend and everything you buy is a la carte. It's easy for guys to go overboard and by the end of the semester their funds definitely dwindle. Lucky for them the girls generally have hundreds of dollars left over so sharing is nice. It can be hard to finish all of the money so take advantage of it while you can, for example by drinks for the day or snacks in the dining hall instead of buying them at the grocery store.

Dorm Life

The residential buildings are on the perimeter of the academic campus. This creates a real separation of academics and dorm life on the weekends when most everyone is committed to having a good time. However, the good locations to live on campus can ostracize those that don't live there because they are so far away. For example, 60% of freshman live on upper campus and 40% live on a satellite campus (newton) about 10 minutes away. While Newton is a great environment and a great place to enjoy freshman year it can feel disadvantageous socially and academically. In general it is what one makes of it so putting oneself out there early on generates more successful outcomes. The dorms themselves aren't really nice or really terrible. The beginning of the fall semester can be rough because of the lack of air conditioning in underclassmen residence halls but the rest of the year they keep them well heated. The rooms are on the small size and can feel claustrophobic if one has too much stuff. Forced triples aren't the end of the world but they are tight on space. Freshman have communal bathrooms which are cleaned daily but can get gross on the weekends. Communal bathrooms are good because they promote social interactions. After freshman year one general lives in a suit of varying size that it has it's own bathroom and common room. Most of these res halls are located on lower campus making it the place to be after freshman year.

Academic Rigor

BC is most definitely a challenging school. I never felt that I was easily skating by and put hard work into every class I have thus taken. That being said, the big core curriculum means they offer plenty of classes to students who aren't committed to the subject so they aren't designed to be terribly difficult. Attending lectures and reading the assigned material are obviously essential in gaining the most out of the classes and doing the best. While midterm week and finals can become stressful I never felt overwhelmed to the point of mental breakdown or anything close. Students here are naturally competitive but this can be helpful and motivating. Everyone works hard to succeed and excel so it would be hard to fail in this environment. There are a lot of tutoring opportunities (especially for athletes) and reaching out to professors is easy if one makes the effort.

Tips for prospective students

They aren't just looking for smart kids to attend this university. What seems to interest the admissions board is a well-rounded student who is committed to their academics, their community, and their extracurricular activities. Admission is very competitive because the school is so desirable to attend, but a strong essay that denotes one's commitment to values and learning helps tremendously . As a Jesuit university which emphasizes the importance of service they look for students who share this dedication. Being a part of a legacy is great but so is being a first generation college student.

In three sentences

The mantra of students at BC is work hard play hard. Everyone likes to enjoy themselves on the weekend but otherwise there's an emphasis on rigorous academics and service. The weighty academic core ensures a well-rounded liberal arts education based on the central values of the Jesuits.

Natalie from Brighton, MA

07/01/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

BC Police are always visible.

Clubs and Activities

As a graduate student I've been involved with the Graduate student programs and also enjoy studying at the Murray Graduate Student House. There are numerous activities to get involved in-for both graduate and undergraduate students.

Great for these types of students

Graduate students Out of town/state students Athletes

Bang for the buck

Its expensive but I went to a private college for undergraduate and believe that you get personalized educatin this way.

What to do for fun

Boston is an amazing and fun city for singles and young professionals. You will never tire of things to do and explore. U.S. history and historical landmarks are in your backyard.

Food and Dining

Delicious fair-trade coffee available!

Academic Rigor

Professors expect a lot from students. You'll learn to use the library and how to write academic papers.

Tips for prospective students

Know your financial aid status and be prepared to take out a significant amount of student loans. Also realize that you will get a quality education with professors who truly care about your education and future.

In three sentences

BC has a beautiful campus with dedicated professors. All educational programs are top-rated. Student organizations are available for social interaction.

Corinne from Orange, CT

I have never felt unsafe on campus. There are police officers monitoring the area at all times.

Greek Life

No Greek life.

Great for these types of students

Work hard play hard

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Football games are preceded by tailgates which are a tradition and always a blast. At orientation there is an induction ceremony and mass for the first-year students which is really beautiful.

Bang for the buck

Because it is a private school, tuition is quite expensive. When you leave the school you have earned a degree from an extremely respectable college, you have access to a large alumni network, and are a part of a great community. It is worth it.

What to do for fun

Once you are 21 there are nearby bars that are very popular. The modulars, which are senior housing areas frequently have parties on the weekends as well as off-campus house parties. It is not necessary to drink/do drugs here. There are plenty of activities around the area, on campus, and in Boston that can be just as fun.

Food and Dining

The quality of the food is great, especially relative to other schools. There are a lot of different options for students with diet restrictions (gluten-free, vegetarians, vegans). The only issue with dining is that it is a bit pricy because meals are purchased a la carte and not buffet style.

Dorm Life

The living options are pretty standard for first-year students, with mainly doubles but a few triples or quads. Generally, you become friends with the people that you live with and near because you see them so frequently and in a non-academic environment. Living on campus is a great option, but some people do live off-campus in their junior year, which is quite fun.

Academic Rigor

Boston College has four different schools: College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Management, the School of Nursing, and the School of Education. Each has its own requirements but there is a basic core that must be fulfilled. Courses vary in difficulty but all require effort in order to get high marks.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus. Boston College is absolutely beautiful and only getting better. Visiting is the very best way that you can truly get a feel for whether or not any school (whether BC or elsewhere) is right for you.

In three sentences

Boston College truly lives up to the reputation that it has as a University that is dedicated to the well-being of its students. The community of students, professors, and administrators are truly dedicated to the school's Jesuit mission of developing the whole person spiritually, socially, and academically. At Boston College I feel that I am not just getting a degree and moving on; I have become a part of something much bigger and earned an education in every sense of the word.

Daniel from Philadelphia, PA

05/15/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

All of our varsity sports are d-1 and play other well-known schools; all sporting events are great. We're constantly ranked top 5 in the country for hockey. If the partying scene is for you, I can assure you there will be many options, however, if not, you have one of the greatest cities in the world at your disposal: Boston is just 15 minutes away.

Food and Dining

Ranked 2nd in the country 2012! The food here is honestly excellent for school dining. I've visited many of my friends' schools and they simply cannot compare.

Dorm Life

As a freshman, you can get put on Upper campus or Newton. The housing gets progressively better as you move up in years and everyone in the halls are friendly; doors are usually kept open

Academic Rigor

While no classes are easy, you can make BC as hard as you want. There are various honors tracks for the driven student, or you could get by through taking the easier professors.

Tips for prospective students

Study hard! Show wellroundedness in your application and have more to your resume than strong GPA & test scores.

In three sentences

Boston College has a great balance of academics and social aspects. There are brilliant people here that will challenge you intellectually like never before, yet you will find friends who you can easily connect with outside of the classroom.

Violet

BCPD is literally everywhere. It definitely makes you feel safe and secure at all times, even at night.

Greek Life

We have one recognized fraternity - BC isn't big on Greek life.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs to join!! At the beginning of the year the school holds an Activities Fair, where every club sets up a booth on Linden Lane and advertises their activity to you. It's both overwhelming and exciting.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are TONS of chants for the different sports teams. It's so much fun to learn them all.

Bang for the buck

I'm not sure what this means, but yes, BC is expensive. However, I think you definitely get what you pay for.

What to do for fun

BC has a program called Nights on the Heights. It's a safe and fun alternative to the usual party scene. The program puts on different shows and activities every weekend, and usually the kids who attend have a great time. Additionally, you can take the T into Boston and shop on Newbury Street or just walk around and enjoy the view.

Food and Dining

I love our dining halls! We have four (three on Main Campus, one on Newton Campus). I find McElroy to be kind of intimidating because of how big it is, but in terms of food, I have no complaints whatsoever.

Dorm Life

Some of your best friends will be the ones you meet within your dorm. It's definitely a new experience if you haven't yet lived at a boarding school, but it's pleasant. The bathrooms are very clean, and the rooms are sizable.

Academic Rigor

The classes are tough, but most teachers are excellent.

Tips for prospective students

Try not to get too caught up in how much freedom you have. Figure out how to budget your time effectively - once you set a schedule for yourself you will do very well. Also, make sure you get to know your professors, for they are your greatest assets.

In three sentences

Boston College is simply phenomenal. You will never find students happier or more polite than than the ones that attend BC. There is a strong focus on academics here, but also a wonderful sense of school spirit that makes you feel right at home.

Wesley from Linwood, NJ

BCPD is everywhere. BC's campus is extremely safe, and the surrounding neighborhoods are as well.

Greek Life

None. (One underground frat)

Clubs and Activities

There are so many different clubs at BC. Whatever someone may be interested in, I can almost guarantee there is a club for him or her. If there is a club that a student would like to start, the school is very encouraging and helpful.

Great for these types of students

Preppy individuals, students with a lot of money, students who enjoy sports, and students who are looking for an academic challenge and really getting the most out of their education.

Bang for the buck

It is extremely expensive, but well worth it.

What to do for fun

You can attend sporting events, join clubs, and a big favorite is going into downtown Boston to hang out.

Food and Dining

Boston College has very good food, it is just a complete rip off.

Dorm Life

The dorms on campus for sophomores through seniors are nice, spacious, and fun to live in.

Academic Rigor

It varies depending on your major. Business majors have the toughest schedules.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared for a challenge, especially if you are enrolling in the business school. The academics are tough, but worth every ounce of frustration.

In three sentences

Boston College is an exceptional institute of learning. The faculty is extremely intelligent and respected individuals in their fields. The student life is very fun, especially the sporting events.

Katherine from Boston, MA

01/28/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Boston College is one of the safest campuses in the nation. Between the cities of Brighton, Chestnut Hill, and Newton (voted safest city the nation), students can also count on a full staffed campus police office. Available 24/7 the campus also has escort drivers to pick up stranded students within a mile radius after hours.

Clubs and Activities

Located a 10-20 min train ride away from one of the east coast's largest world class cities. Boston College can provide a dizzying array of night clubs of almost any music genre, cinemas, and shopping districts. Visiting the downtown area of Boston can keep one quite entertained.

Great for these types of students

Boston College is great for consertive type education students. Still vibrant campus life but definitely quiet enough to hit the books without too many distractions.

Bang for the buck

Boston College is a bit more expensive. You can get the same education for a lower price but you the school is very prestigious: ivy- league like look and feel of campus and

What to do for fun

Visit McMullen Museum located in Devlin Hall or the Burns Library. Go into Boston for a city life.

Food and Dining

Boston College has a variety of on campus dining halls, cafes, and sandwich/soup places and even an organic pizza place. Currently there are 7 places to have full meals or get snacks. As well as vending machines in almost all academic buildings.

Dorm Life

Boston College has a variety of housing opportunities but has limited space. As a senior there is higher preferences of better housing. The only downside is that after you are granted housing it is alloted in a lottery style like process. This is difficult at times when it comes to 6 or 8 roommate groups.

Academic Rigor

Boston College is very academically rigorous requiring 5 course semesters in order to complete course requirements of one year of philosophy and theology for all regardless of concentration. Other schools on require 4 course semesters.

Tips for prospective students

Prospective students should understand that although Boston College is nearby Boston it is not technically in Boston. Therefore even though it is classified as an open campus it actually gives the appearance of a closed campus. This is great because you get the best of both worlds!

In three sentences

Boston College has state of the art facilities and a world of resources at our finger tips. Besides it's prestigious history, it is a bit pricey but well worth the well rounded education. As a jesuit institution it Boston College provides an impressively secularized curricula and has is a Division I top tier school.

Noah from Brookline, MA

I am offered a lot of opportunities even as an evening college student. I participate in theater at BC for instance.

Great for these types of students

Busy people, those paying their own way through not wanting to take on debt (both me).

Bang for the buck

The Woods College is an amazing value. I pay my own way through at a bit under 6k a semester (again this only applies to the Woods College).

What to do for fun

Boston is a big city but I am not a day college student at BC.

Academic Rigor

The Woods College has interesting and difficult courses (identical to BC courses with same professors) for a dedicated student.

Tips for prospective students

I am only in the Woods College (the evening college for working professionals) but I would recommend it to anyone.

In three sentences

The Woods College at Boston College is an amazing opportunity for an affordable and competitive education for a student like myself on a nonstandard path. I went to college for two years early but due to complicated factors was not ready. BC took a gamble on me and I have worked hard for a good GPA and it will pay off.

Graciela from Albuquerque, NM

BCPD is great and Reslife has the best interests of their students in mind.

Greek Life

None. Thank you, Jesuits.

Clubs and Activities

Any culture club you can think about is represented at BC. There are many other special interest groups and innumerable volunteer opportunities.

Great for these types of students

Well rounded students who want to try many different new things without being bound to one group.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Mods are senior housing that are actually houses.

Bang for the buck

The BC price is outrageous and they will suck you dry semester after semester. However, as a student there is no other campus I would rather be. The opportunities are incredible.

What to do for fun

There is a huge campus life. The drinking is overwhelming if you have never been in a place that is so extreme but once you realize not everyone is blacking out every weekend you're at a good point. There is plenty to do on the weekends if you are not drinking like sports and campus productions. If all else fails it never gets old to take a trip into Boston.

Food and Dining

BC Dining is incredible. They offer a good selection and the point system is better than traditional buffet style dining. They listen to requests and comments and on top of that give a living wage to employees.

Dorm Life

Living in the dorms is a main part of BC. Freshman dorms are formative and living on Newton or Upper will really determine the course of your college career. Both are good places, don't let anyone fool you into thinking living on Newton is a death sentence, it's a great place.

Academic Rigor

Some classes are easier than others. The science and math courses are strenuous but the professors care and if you make an effort, they will realize that and reward you.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you are ready for academic rigor but are open to the help that the campus offers. Don't be overwhelmed by the student body, make sure to find small communities to make it feel comfortable when you first start. Take advantage of all the resources the school has to offer, including being so close to the city of Boston.

In three sentences

An incredible place with innumerable opportunities. Takes a while to get used to the campus life and culture if you are from outside the east coast. After you get used to it, the place is incredible.

John Smith from Boston, MA

12/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Boston College Police Department ensures safety of all students at all times on campus. There's also an Eagle Escort Service that will pick up any student who fears they are not in a safe environment and drive them back to their dorm.

Greek Life

Boston College does not have Greek life. Most of the partying is in the Senior housing known as the Mods, which are small, cramped and crowded.

Clubs and Activities

Boston College offers a tremendous amount of clubs and activities and anyone is certain to find at least a handful in which they would like to participate.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Jesuit ideal of Boston College leads the College to offer many volunteering and service opportunities to help others as the College stresses Service for Others and Saint Ignatius' words set the world aflame.

Bang for the buck

Boston College is tremendously expensive, and many of the students attending there are from richer families, but the education a student receives and the success in the job search after earning a degree are worth the high tuition rate.

What to do for fun

For fun, students go into the City of Boston, attend Division 1 hockey, basketball and football events, do community service and attend parties.

Food and Dining

The food is tremendously overpriced, but the meal plan is enough to cover you for the semester. The food quality is decent, and quantity changes depending on whom serves your food.

Dorm Life

The dorms are not massive, but not tiny. The RAs are pretty strict on underage drinking and alcohol, but do a great job forming a community on a floor and providing opportunities for sober fun. The RAs also are given money to order food for their floor throughout the year.

Academic Rigor

If you complete all your work on time and set a few hours aside to study each week, the academics are not too challenging, but you are given a lot of information to learn and read. There is a core curriculum which is required and includes two courses from History, Math, Philosophy, Sciences, Theology and one course of Writing, Literature, Fine Arts and Cultural Diversity.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to find a club or activity which you will like and sign up for it when there is the big fair. Try not to sign up for too many, but sign up for extra to make sure you find ones which you'll like. Have fun on the weekends, but make sure schoolwork comes first and work hard during the week.

In three sentences

The academics are challenging but not overwhelming. The amount of information you learn, opportunities for clubs and the connections you have the opportunity to make as a Business major are all tremendous. Students love to have a fun time, especially attending college and football games.

Anonymous

There is a club fair at the start of every year and there is a club for any sport, activity, special interest group you could want

Great for these types of students

Atheletic, strong work ethic, friendly, open to new experiences

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Superfan shirts worn by students on game day. Many spiritual locations

Bang for the buck

BC is definitely worth the money, as professors are always willing to meet with students outside of class. With the liberal arts education and core, students become very well-rounded.

What to do for fun

Sports games are always popular, so make sure you get season hockey tickets. Boston is just a t-ride away, and there are tons of things to do (or eat) in the city.

Food and Dining

BC has really high quality food, and plenty of options for people with different tastes. However, these options become repetitive from week to week.

Dorm Life

Certain dorms are known for being in bad locations or older, but others are newly rennovated. RA's don't really run activities, unless you're a freshman.

Academic Rigor

Courses are definitely challenging, and it is hard to balance the work load at first. Most courses have a paper or project, 1-2 midterms, and a final.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you visit the campus, because it's beautiful and that alone could make anyone want to come here. There is a heavy core, so make sure that these classes interest you.

In three sentences

Boston College is a rigorous school academically, but on the weekends the student body knows how to have a fun time. There is always high school spirit at athletic events, such as football and hockey. Professors are more than available to meet and work with students.

Beylul from Milton, MA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

We are in wealthy and quiet Chestnut Hill. The most violence this place has seen is the aftermath of a bad breakup.

Clubs and Activities

There is so much to do !!! It is amazing . Though the student body may not be all that diverse the array of activities certainly is. You'll find every something for ANYONE here.

Great for these types of students

If your a prep or rich white kid from the suburbs,you'll find it very easy to transition here. It is not impossible for others to find a great fit.

Bang for the buck

Honestly I do not know if BC is worth its ridiculous, oh my god, jaws on the floor, hefty price tag. Can I get an experience as enriching as this experience at BC at another college that carries a lesser fine. I hope I made the right choice but something is telling me I have not.

What to do for fun

There are SO many things to do here that it becomes exhausting and overwhelming. You don't know whether to do this or that or the other. Ask yourself what your passionate about and only sign up for that on Activities Day. Otherwise you'll ending up taking too much time from your course load. Of course there is Boston right next door that has a plethora of fun stuff for college kids. It makes it easier if you have friends attending a college in Boston. Hit up some BU or Northeastern parties because when they say BC is a dry campus and BCPD is strict, the MEANT it.

Food and Dining

Definitely a favorite among students is the fine dining that can be found at Mceleroy Commons. Or try the steak and cheese subs at the dining hall near the first year orientation student service desk. The food is better than most schools.

Dorm Life

Again BC somehow gathers super friendly people together, so more than likely you will have great roommates. I've had a great experience with my roomies so far. If your trying to make friends invite them with you when your going to grab a bite to eat from one of the dining halls. The rooms are surprisingly nice for freshman. If you can try to get a natural triple . They are amazingly spacious and you get a bathroom. The doubles are nice. The forced triples are a bit tight for space and breathing room but don't pout if you get one because their not that bad. Try to meet all the people on your floor and introduce yourself to your RAs. Most of them are really young so its not too crazy to be super compatible with your RAs.

Academic Rigor

I am still in my first week of classes so its hard to say how difficult the classes will be. As of now the classes seem challenging but manageable.

Tips for prospective students

GO to the orientation ! It is an excellent way to meet new people so that you won't feel disheveled the first month of classes. And don't act like your too cool for orientation because of the forced interaction. That would give off a bad first impression to your new peers.Also, be open and friendly. Make the effort to approach people because people are quite receptive here.

In three sentences

Boston College provides an unmatched Jesuit education that provides students with the tools to expand their intellectual capacity as well as expand their service capacity.

For the athletes, the business students, and those destined to go to medical school!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Everyone wants to live in the mods their senior year.

Bang for the buck

This is an expensive school, but you are paying for the experience and the ability to be surrounded by such an international array of students.

What to do for fun

Explore Boston, check out the plex, run around the res, or stop for lunch at city side!

Food and Dining

The Hillside cafe` is great, but the dining halls can become repetitive.

Dorm Life

The droms may not be the newest but most are set up like an apartment so they allow you to not have to be on a meal plan.

Academic Rigor

This is a very rigorous school, especially the pre-medical program.

Tips for prospective students

Do not fall victim to the BC bubble! Explore Boston and expand your horizons!

In three sentences

Boston College is a very aesthetically pleasing and academically challenging school. The only slight issue is that if you're an average income household you will not receive a lot of financial aid. It is however the maker of a true Jesuit College experience!

BC Student

BC is located in Chestnuthill, MA, one of the safest towns in the nation. I definitely never felt unsafe.

Greek Life

None.

Clubs and Activities

BC offers numerous, diverse clubs and activites on campus and it is easy to get involved.

Great for these types of students

BC is known for its preppy, snooty kids. This type of person can absolutely be found on campus, but that is not the only type of people that attend BC.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Marathon Monday is amazing. The school shuts down on Patriots Day to have the Boston Marathon run through campus. Also, the Bean Pot is a really fun Boston tradition of Boston schools playing each other in hockey.

What to do for fun

Boston the city is really close by T so going out to dinner or a club is easy. Also, there are so many other schools in Boston that have fun frats if you want to switch things up. On campus, the Mods (senior housing) or off-campus housing are a regular weekend party spot for many.

Food and Dining

Food is decent. There is a good variety in the five dining halls located around the campus. The meal plan at BC works much like a debit card. You swipe your card and pay for exactly what food you got.

Dorm Life

Freshman are in one of two places: Upper Campus or Newton Campus. Newton is a satellite campus that is a 10 minute bus ride away, which was a bit annoying. However, upper classmen have fairly decent living (in a good location). Juniors tend to live off campus, but many seniors come back on campus for their last year.

Academic Rigor

The academia aspect is rigorous, though it usually depends on the students major. As you might expect the Biology/ Pre-med track students have a heavy workload than, say, a Sociology major.

Tips for prospective students

Before applying to Boston College definitely know which school you want to apply to. There are four: Nursing, Education, Business, and Arts and Sciences, but once you're in one it's hard to transfer into another.

In three sentences

Boston College offers a great academic experience with plenty of opportunities for fun as well. It's the perfect combination of a campus and city, with the downtown Boston only a short T ride away. And being a super-fan is loads of fun (especially when we are National Hockey Champs)!

Be ready for a challenging yet fun environment. The academics are usually not easy for most students but outside of the classroom there is plenty of activities for students to partake in

In three sentences

An all around great school in terms of academics and social life. This school has a great group of faculty and administrators always able and willing to help the student population. BC is a place where students can meet just about anyone and feel like home

Cristina from Salem, VA

06/19/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

BC PD gets a bit of a bad rap just because they can be a little extra thorough. But I'm glad to know they're on top of everything and keeping us safe. Not to mention we have those blue lights EVERYWHERE, and very good lighting.

Greek Life

Doesn't exist at BC. As a Jesuit institution they don't allow Greek Life. There is a frat house chapter that is unofficial as BC doesn't recognize it, but I love not having to deal with Greek parties and hazing and stuff. I think it makes BC a more cohesive community.

Clubs and Activities

Clubs for literally any interest. And if one doesn't exist yet, it's relatively easy to create one with a group of friends and get it recognized by BC.

Great for these types of students

If you want to work hard, but also play hard. BC students know how to balance their academic and social lives well, and there's always an opportunity to meet someone new.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Writing your name on the bell in the belltower...can be a little tricky, and I have yet to do it, but it's immortalized up there for future generations. We also have Modstock and Mudstock, which are basically a day of mud volleyball and a live concert (this year was Reel Big Fish). One of our biggest traditions is Marathon Monday, where we get the day off and get to cheer on the Boston Marathon runners as they hit Mile 21.

Bang for the buck

A friend of mine once figured it costs about $250 a day to go to BC, give or take tuition changes. For the quality and quantity of food we get, the dorms, and the amazing teachers and speakers we have at BC...not to mention the extra curricular activities (athletics, clubs, etc.), I think it's more than worth it. And the connections you make here will last a lifetime.

What to do for fun

If you don't want to trek 30 mins into downtown Boston, there are always performances, events, or shows of some sort on campus. Sometimes all it takes is getting a group of friends together for a Trivia night in Lower or a game of basketball in the Plex.

Food and Dining

Seriously some of the best college dining hall food around. We complain about it because we get used to the usual schedule, but there are some incredible dishes. Everything is baked fresh, and we occasionally have lobster!

Dorm Life

Maybe not the most modern or updated dorms around, but a lot of them are cozy enough, safe, and if you're with friends it doesn't really matter what your building looks like.

Academic Rigor

Depending on your major and the teachers you have, BC can be a lot of exams and quizzes (bio/chem majors), or it can be a lot of group projects and presentations with almost no homework (marketing). Overall, the teachers push you to be your best academically, but they are always open to help you out if you just ask.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you're not going because that's what your parents want, and don't be turned on or off by the religious affiliation. I'm not religious at all, and this Jesuit Catholic school doesn't try to force me into any religion.

In three sentences

Honestly one of my favorite places. Being here is like being at home, and I've grown so much as a person these last three years. I can't believe my time here is almost over...and I want it to last longer.

Ariel from Mattapan, MA

06/19/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Boston College Police Department is very visible on campus. THere are emergency buttons all around campus, there are police escorts if you feel it is necessary and they go to great lengths to ensure the safety of the students.

Greek Life

Sorry there is no greek life.

Clubs and Activities

There are many to choose from and there is something for every one.

Great for these types of students

Everyone and Anyone!

Bang for the buck

Very expensive place and the costs rise every year but there is a price for this type of education at a school that is in the top 40 in the United States.

What to do for fun

I am the vice president of Multi-Cultural Christian Fellowship and I just hang around with my friends.

Food and Dining

The food is decent but could be better. You get a meal plan but the food is still expensive.

Dorm Life

The dorms are nice and there are fun lounges. The dorms could be bigger.

Academic Rigor

The workload can be overwhelming and is very intense.

Tips for prospective students

Definitely consider Boston College. There are so many great clubs and organizations such as the Multi-Cultural Leadership Experience. BC prepare you for life after college and helps you find jobs. Look for places that fit your academic desires and don't be afraid to meet new people and branch out.

In three sentences

It is very rigorous and very intense. It is a a great place to go for college and offers many great opportunities for its students. It is an amazing experience that you might not be able to get anywhere else.

Tyler

06/18/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Greek Life

None

Clubs and Activities

There are a lot of clubs and community service trips and opportunities. During the first week there is an activities fair, which gives you a great over view of the different ways you can get involved on campus.

Great for these types of students

Great for students who are academically serious, but are able to balance friends as well.

What to do for fun

There is almost always something going on on campus between sporting events and club activites. There is also a lot to do in Boston, which is a very college friendly city!

Food and Dining

There are a lot of dining options, and the hours of operation are long.

Dorm Life

Keep your door open and take the time to get to know the people on your floor and in your building.

Academic Rigor

The work load is hard, but as long as you keep up with the syllabus and section off some each day it is manageable.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved with clubs that interest you and be open to new opportunities!

In three sentences

Boston College is the perfect distance from the city, while maintaining a great environment with its campus. It has such amazing school spirit and optimism. The students there have such passion to get involved and are open and friendly to others.

Danielle from Agoura Hills, CA

06/18/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus security is always just a phone call or short walk away (or wait long enough and I promise a security car will drive by). Plus, Boston police are always around just in case a situation gets sticky.

Greek Life

No Greek life, but none needed. There are enough parties and people to keep you happy!

Clubs and Activities

Get involved! Once you find your club, sport, or activity, you'll know you're at the right place and made the right decision to come to BC.

What to do for fun

I love living so close to the T (essentially meaning lots of traveling to Boston)! Most weekends, I will go out to explore the city and visit new restaurants with great ratings. But on campus, there's always a different activity or sports event going on... go explore!

Food and Dining

I am a self-proclaimed health food junkie, so I love BC dining food. They always seem to have a variety of delicious and colorful choices, at almost any time you go during the day. Plus, there is a nutritionist who is always available to talk with you, and discuss healthy options that are available.

Dorm Life

Living in the dorms is very important, especially in your first year. You'll be amazed at the amount of people you know just by the end of the first semester... let alone the end of your time at BC!

Academic Rigor

Boston College may feel academically rigorous at first, but once you get accustomed to the workload and high caliber, you'll see the change in your intellect almost instantaneously. It's amazing to think of how far you'll go in just a few years.

Tips for prospective students

When you first enter BC, don't hesitate to dive right into joining clubs, volunteer activities, attending mixers, etc. Being happy at school involves more than just schoolwork and library time... enjoy yourself and be open to meeting new people and having new experiences.

In three sentences

Boston College's School of Nursing is a welcoming, intellectual environment filled with supportive faculty and students alike! Once you enter BC, you'll understand why everyone seems to be so very happy (especially sophomore year and beyond). Joining one (or many) clubs, helping in research, having lunch with your professor or adviser, exploring Boston, taking a run down Commonwealth Avenue, and enjoying Nights on the Heights are just a few of the many joyous days you'll have at Boston College.

Try to get into the city. Run around the Res. Eagles Deli! Off campus parties are the best.

Food and Dining

Eh. Fine quality, but pricey

Dorm Life

Freshman year sucks. If you don't get CoRo, it gets better.

Academic Rigor

It is what you make it.

Tips for prospective students

Don't use trays in the dining halls. Buy your books on Amazon or use the library. Choose your niche of friends wisely, because the biddies and bros culture can be superficial and inane. Get close with at least one prof. Take Pulse.

In three sentences

Boston College is NOT in the city, and you will not go to downtown Boston for drinks or shopping as often as you think; it's too easy to get trapped in the BC bubble, but that's fine, because there's lots going on here. You don't have to be Catholic to appreciate the wisdom of some of our Jesuit teachers. The opportunities for learning and personal growth are constantly available inside the buildings that look like they belong at Hogwarts.

Boston College's food is good... but sometimes too repetitive. Lower campus (upperclassmen) have a better dining hall than Mac. Addies is an local organic food serving place and its foods are sooo good! Hillside's sandwhiches are also mouthwatering

Dorm Life

For freshmen, there are 2 campuses you can live in. Newton is a mile away and you have to take a bus. Upper is right on main campus. They have both very nice dorms! The floors are separated by gender and there are many lounges for you to study in.

Academic Rigor

The classes here are hard especially if you are a pre-med student but it is not impossible.

Boston College is an awesome, small, private school that helps you grow intellectually, emotionally and mentally. The people you meet here are amazing and so different from each other. The professors are so easy to reach out to.

BC isn't talked about as a bar school, but I think it is. As a freshman lots of people get fakes and go out to bars in the Fenway area. There are also the mods to go to which are basically are frat and sorority houses. There is no greek life.

Food and Dining

We are known for having some of the best food in the country, but next year the dining plan is changing. Sadly, some of the best dining halls (Hillside) will not be able to use dining bucks which is a bit of a bummer. But we do have good food!

Dorm Life

I love my dorm. I lived on Newton campus freshman year, despite how everyone doesn't want to live there--IT ROCKS! I would live there again if I could choose. The housing lottery for sophomore year gets pretty hard because you are making choices about who you want to live with and people's feelings can get hurt...but you just got to tough through it and it will all work out.

Academic Rigor

I think that it depends on the class, the professor, and lastly the school you are in. Pre-med is obviously known to be very hard, in all my education classes I find all the work extremely do-able and the professors great to meet with.

Tips for prospective students

The school is pretty homogenous, mostly white students who generally come from a middle or upper class family. I also encourage all students who are looking into BC seriously should be very interested in sports, because going to the sports game is a very big deal. Get to know your professors--they really do care!

In three sentences

Boston College is a very academically rigorous school with students who are very enthusiastic for school spirit and the athletics program. It is a work hard play hard school.

Fatin from Matawan, NJ

Extremely safe campus. BCPD is always available around campus looking out for student's safety. Safety is not an issue at all in this university.

Greek Life

Non-existent.

Clubs and Activities

There is a club for everyone, you will simply need to go out and find your niche and if there isn't, you can always create one!

Great for these types of students

Sport lovers, Harry Potter fanatics (the campus is beautiful and reminiscent of the Hogwarts architecture in addition to the fact that the school colors are maroon and gold), and any student who is looking for a challenging and rewarding college experience.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

BC has a strong sports tradition so before all of the big games, especially the football games, there will be tail gating events taking place on campus. In addition, the Boston Marathon is another great BC tradition since the marathon runs through the campus and around Boston; many students participate in the marathon as well.

Bang for the buck

Definitely worth the money you will be paying for this University. The academics are top notch and the dorm life is great. The resources are endless and the professors are fantastic so your money will be worth it all!

What to do for fun

There is always something going on, whether it be a jazz concert or a comedy sketch, so you'll never be bored. In addition, the surrounding areas ~ Downtown Boston, Cambridge, etc. offer great opportunities to meet other students and to attend events.

Food and Dining

Whether your vegan or a kosher/halal eating student, there is always an option for everyone on campus.

Dorm Life

Mostly everyone is guaranteed 4 years of housing and if you are not, off-campus housing is not a bad idea.

Academic Rigor

Challenging yet extremely rewarding as well!

Tips for prospective students

Try to engage in campus activities and seek what you're interested in rather than sitting and waiting for the opportunities to appear. There is something for everyone at Boston College.

In three sentences

A nurturing college in which service to others and academics are greatly valued. Here, you will find great opportunities that will further your goals and help you in accomplishing your future dreams.

Grace from Elmhurst, IL

BCPD is pretty responsive, and there are blue light boxes everywhere on campus. BCPD also holds workshops for personal safety.

Greek Life

There is no Greek Life on campus, which is perfect for BC students!

Clubs and Activities

I was a theater major, which provided ample opportunity to get involved in the arts at BC, and allowed me to see the inner workings of some of the arts clubs. If you don't see a club for what you're interested in (which would be surprising), you can make one!

Great for these types of students

Outgoing, friendly, hard-working, fun-loving. At BC, we work hard and play hard.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Make a bucket list for your time at BC!

Bang for the buck

Unbelievably expensive, so make the best of your time there!

What to do for fun

Go into Boston and check out one of its many museums and historical areas. Boston has a lot of great restaurants, bars, shopping areas, and opportunities to check out the arts. Cambridge is another great area to explore. Around campus, go into Cleveland Circle, take a walk around the Reservoir, or have a themed get-together in your dorm!

Food and Dining

The food at BC is wonderful, but pretty pricey.

Dorm Life

BC has an interesting tradition of living off-campus junior year and then returning to campus senior year. The Senior housing is really fun because everyone's back together again and can live in basically a small gated community called the Mods. They have backyards with grills and patios, ideal for tailgating and parties. It's a really fun and class-building tradition.

Academic Rigor

Depending on your major, your classes may be more difficult, but generally the students and professors provide challenging and intellectual conversations in class.

Paul

04/25/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

No matter where you are on campus, you can always see a blue emergency call light. BCPD is definitely a pain sometimes with drinking and stuff, but they are always on top of their stuff when it comes to responding quickly for campus safety.

Greek Life

There is no greek life on campus, and for those who might think that's a negative, it adds an atmosphere of openness and social mixing around campus that I believe you wouldn't have with greek life. Parties around campus are just parties, and it isn't so exclusive as to who's invited and who's going to be there.

Bang for the buck

It's a solid education, but it has one of the most expensive price tags, being almost $10,000 more expensive than Harvard. There are good networking opportunities, so the price you pay definitely goes beyond the diploma.

Food and Dining

For college food, BC has some of the best dining options in the country. It isn't gourmet, but hey, it's college and they can't serve exactly the highest quality food to students. The prices for food are a little steep for what they give you, but it isn't so awful that it's upsetting. There are a lot of options around campus, so almost anywhere you are, you can access a dining hall in less than 5 minutes.

Dorm Life

BC has some pretty sweet dorms, it just sucks if you end up getting poor location. The housing costs are pretty steep, especially if you're in the nicer dorms with air conditioning. But anyone can really live comfortably in the space they provide you. RA's are pretty much a toss-up, and your experience with them really depends on how strict of a person is assigned to your hall.

Academic Rigor

It's pretty challenging, but nothing that you'll kill yourself over with proper time management, which I guess goes for any place. I've never found myself completely overwhelmed or stumped by any assignments, and you always have plenty of peers to reach out to for making study groups.

Tips for prospective students

It can't hurt to apply, especially since there's no supplementary essay (unless they've changed that recently). If you're in the top of your class and have solid SAT scores above the 2100 range, you've got a solid shot of getting in. Just make sure you notice the school's tuition!

In three sentences

This is a great school that is definitely underrated, and practically all of the people you'll meet here are really down to earth and come from all sorts of backgrounds. The school offers plenty of Honors tracks for those who want to challenge themselves and has one of the best management schools in the country, so don't count this place out as one of the most prestigious institutions in America! The social scene is awesome, with plenty of stuff going on during the week hosted by clubs and even more stuff during the weekend with your friends, having the option to stay in the BC Bubble or go out for a break to Boston, one of the coolest cities in country.

A lot of students tend to stay on campus for the weekends and don't take advantage of the city which is only a train ride away.

What to do for fun

Cleveland circle has a lot of variety if you want to go to a restaurant during the weekend with a couple of friends and it's only a shuttle bus ride away.

Food and Dining

Very good food when compared to other universities. At one point we were top 2 in the country.

Dorm Life

BC needs more options when it comes to housing. However, the dorms, for the most part, are pretty comfortable and nice. Dont expect a lot of freedom. Quiet hours are at 12am during the weekends and 10pm during the weekdays.

Academic Rigor

Pretty difficult when compared to high school. To do well, you must work hard. Does not matter how naturally intelligent you are.

Tips for prospective students

Be positive and take advantage of all BC has to offer.

In three sentences

Boston college is what you make of it. I know a lot of people who hate it here and a lot who absolutely love it. There are a lot of things to like about BC. if you're patient and positive, and make the best out of your time here, then you shouldn't have a problem adapting and having one of the best years of your life.

Ellie from River Edge, NJ

there are various events on campus that you can attend to, including open mic nights, dance shows, etc.

Tips for prospective students

If you don't know what you want to do, take your core classes first. I took a lot of classes to see what I wanted to do in the future, but they ended up taking space for classes that I need to take for my major.

In three sentences

It has a good education system, but there are too little majors offered. It has a great student body and offers a variety of different clubs. However, there is too much segregation amongst the student body.

Stefanie from Midlothian, VA

04/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Generally, I feel very safe on campus. Like any other school, there have been instances where that feeling has been violated, but that happens in any large community. The police on campus are friendly and truly interested in the student's safety and over-all well being.

Greek Life

There is no Greek Life at BC.

Clubs and Activities

There are many options. If you want to get involved, all you have to do is sign up!

Great for these types of students

I feel like almost anyone would fit in at BC because there are so many groups and activities to get involved in.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Marathon Monday at BC is a huge event. The runners come right by campus and all of the students line the street to cheer them on!

Bang for the buck

It is an expensive school to attend, but the quality of your education and the atmosphere that you spend your four years in is worth it!

What to do for fun

Boston is a great city to explore, so go into the city as often as possible. There are many clubs here as well that offer options for people with a wide variety of interests.

Food and Dining

The food at BC is good, but after four years here, the menus have not changed very much. Weekly, the options change, but after a while you get a little sick of the choices. Fortunately, there are restaurants close to campus that offer occasional relief when you do start to get tired of the dining hall options. There are four dining halls on campus, each with different menu selections.

Dorm Life

Dorm life at BC is great-- almost everyone is friendly and bond quickly in these living situations. Each year, housing seems to get better but no matter where you live, you are always relatively close to classroom buildings and dining halls. Also, if there are ever any problems in your dorm, there are helpful Residential Assistants to help in a variety of ways.

Academic Rigor

The classes are challenging, but are in no way impossible. If you study and go to class, most of the time you will do fine. If you have an especially hard class, or even for an easier one, the professors are always willing to help and talk with you during their weekly informal office hours.

Tips for prospective students

I recommend coming into Boston College with an open mind, do not let the rich kid or Catholic labels define the experience you have. Be open to making new friends every chance you get, do not limit yourself to only the first group of friends you meet. The best advice is to study abroad your junior year, it is an amazing experience that most students at BC have the opportunity to take part in.

In three sentences

Boston College is an amazing institution, with a great support system in virtually every area of daily college life. There are extracurricular activities for all levels of competition, rigorous classes, helpful and knowledgeable professors, and a friendly atmosphere. The location is also a positive aspect- a community with its own campus, while still very close to the city.

Rachel from Eagle River, WI

Very safe and enclosed campus with many university police and safety services. This includes safety call boxes located on campus, a 24/7 police force and 24/7 safety escort vans.

Greek Life

There is no Greek life at Boston College and it does not subtract from the party scene. Students still have exciting weekends on and off campus at various events and without the exclusivity that sometimes accompanies fraternity and sorority functions.

Clubs and Activities

Wide range of Varsity athletics, even wider range of club sports and even wider still is the range of intramural sports. Aside from athletics there are hundreds of cultural, casual, spiritual, service and hobby oriented groups throughout campus that any student can become involved with.

Great for these types of students

Students who are not afraid to try something out of their comfort zone inside and outside of the classroom. Boston College can be about just academics if that is what you like it to be, but there is so much more to be gained if you reach out to the numerous campus groups and organizations available to each and every student.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Marathon Monday, which comes on the Monday of the Boston Marathon in which the whole school has off for a day of fun and celebration, is an experience like no other. The school camaraderie as it cheers runners on through the 21st mile is unreal and something that seems an unforgettable college experience.

Bang for the buck

Not only am I paying for an education that has so far seemed well worth it, I am also being guaranteed an expansive alumni network that many colleges are not able to maintain. I have met many people that love and swear by the education they received at Boston College and say that it is exponentially more valuable than the tuition they paid.

What to do for fun

Many volunteer opportunities within Chestnut Hill as well as shopping and relaxing type destinations. The city is no more than fifteen minutes by public transit and offers a huge range of things to do like museums, tours, shopping, exploring or even just relaxing in the Common.

Food and Dining

Dining halls have a wide selection for all tastes and lots of specials throughout the month to mix things up. Great food, but sometimes seems overpriced.

Dorm Life

Great campus feel and comfortable, clean spaces to live in. Excellent arrangements with suit style living for sophomores, juniors and seniors and all are close to class buildings. Weekends can bring a mix of fun or relaxed and both can be found on any given night whichever preference one chooses.

Academic Rigor

All of my classes have fairly heavy course loads, but are at the same time manageable. I don't daily feel overwhelmed but do always feel as though I am being pushed.

Tips for prospective students

Take classes in the theology and philosophy departments. There is nothing more valuable than learning how people see and feel about the world and these departments use the most powerful lens to examine these things by looking into what drives us, our passions. These classes are meant to raise questions but they also bring about the most growth.

In three sentences

Boston College has challenged me every day academically, but more importantly I have been challenged morally. Boston College is educating me in more than just the liberal arts and I will be leaving as someone who is prepared to make real life decisions that I can live with and be proud to have made. It is an exceptional school with a unique approach to reaching students that has a very noticeable impact.

Andrea from Jackson Heights, NY

02/29/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Boston College is located in one of the top five safest neighborhoods in the United States. You can't get safer than that. Anyway, i have gone for walks at 3am and have always felt safe, which is not normal for a girl raised in the boroughs of Queens, New York.

Greek Life

There is no greek life on this campus.

Clubs and Activities

There is a club for every type of person. No matter what you are interested in, there is a club here for you, even if it is unofficial.

What to do for fun

There are an assortment of clubs and associations that one participate in that are fun. We also have a movie theater at a 30 minute walking distance and Cleveland Circle (where all the restaurant and bars are) at a 15 minute walking distance. The city is only 30 minutes away by train, so there are an innumerable amount of thing to do there. It is such a dynamic, vibrant, and interesting city that you will never get bored going there. However, having fun all depends on the acquaintances one makes and Boston College has amazing people.

Food and Dining

Boston college is known for having some of the best college food. This is because of the amount of variety. There are five dining halls and each has a specialty. Moreover, once a month, one of the dining halls has a cultural theme which makes it interesting. However, there is nothing like home-cooked food and after two years (after you have tried everything and know all the dining halls like the back of your hand) you do get tired of the food. But, I have friends in other colleges who got sick of their dining food after just 3 months.

Dorm Life

I have had a wonderful dorm experience. The school did a wonderful job in pairing me with a roommate that was perfectly compatible with my habits. However, they do a horrible job in informing you of the freshman dorm life. When one comes for orientation, they install you in the sophomore, junior, and senior housing and do not take you close to freshmen housing. Therefore, on arrival, one expects one thing but gets another. Freshman housing is usually in another campus that is 15 minutes away by bus (which is very inconvenient because it never comes on time and it is always crowded). Moreover, every floor has a communal bathroom, so there is very little privacy. However, after freshman year, housing is pretty good. Especially since the school has a lot of new dorms which are much more clean and spacious.

Academic Rigor

It all depends on your major and the course you choose. Some are extremely demanding while others are very laid back. However, no matter what course one takes, all the professors are approachable and truly care about their students. Furthermore, there are a large amount of programs that can help you if you begin to struggle.

Tips for prospective students

Although this is a Jesuit community, the college is very open to all religious backgrounds and tries to support everyone in their beliefs. Furthermore, it is very easy to get engulfed in the Boston college bubble because we have everything a person can need close by: movie theater, restaurants, shopping center, parties, etc. Therefore, even though the city is only 30 minutes away, one may not go inbound at all and still have a good social life.

In three sentences

Boston College is more than a school, is a supportive community. The administration and students truly care about each other and try to help each other as much as possible. I cannot image a better environment to grow mentally, personally, and spiritually.

I <3 BC

02/23/2012

Reviewer is A past student here.

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Campus Safety

i felt very safe as a woman at bc. there are campus police patrolling at all times, blue safety lights that call the police within eyesight anywhere on campus, and the suburban city of newton/chestnut hill feel very safe.

Greek Life

there is no greek life at bc.

Bang for the buck

the reputation and alumni network are great, but the price is quite expensive.

What to do for fun

for fun you can go into boston - where there are great restaurants, museums, history, bars, and sporting events. near campus there are lots of bars and restaurants. on campus there are lots of clubs, social events, parties, and sporting events.

Food and Dining

the food is excellent, but somewhat pricey. all food is priced a la carte.

Dorm Life

living in the dorms is so much fun, that seniors come back onto campus to live in the dorms. most people become friends with their freshman year hall-mates, and continue to live with them over their final three years.

Academic Rigor

this varies with your degree, but i found most classes to be challenging and intellectually stimulating.

In three sentences

boston college is a great school because it is close to the city, has strong academics, and has great sports teams. your friends from freshman year stay close, even after graduation. the school is very supportive and gives you a great career prospect.

Paola from Bronx, NY

the food is good at first, however, you get used to it and then get tired of it.

Academic Rigor

the work load gets worse and worse. but it also depends on your professors.

In three sentences

boston college is a great place to be for a student who desires to be challenged. challenged not only through academics but to question his or her purpose in life. bc will help you gain new understanding.

bc is a large institution that doesn't always put the well being of its students first. there is a large bureaucracy that you must wade through for roommate selection, class selection, and housing. if anything goes wrong, as it did for me, don't expect it to be fixed quickly.

Anonymous from Chestnut Hill, MA

01/24/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

we have our own police department on campus that is available 24/7, so no one ever has to worry about feeling unsafe. there is also the blue light system on campus, so if you press the button on one of them, bcpd will be there in seconds, but i don't know of anyone who has ever had to resort to using it.

Greek Life

there is no greek life at bc, but you can travel into boston for local chapter meetings, if you choose to be involved.

Clubs and Activities

any activity or hobby that you enjoy is likely to have an established club or group here on campus--knitting, techno music, literature, dancing--anything!

Great for these types of students

bc caters to every type of student, from every different. there is a very diverse population on campus, including faculty, so no one is excluded from the student body.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

right before classes begin, all the freshmen line up with their dorms and walk down to the stadium for convocation. everyone dresses up and gets a free dinner outside, and it is a unique way for everyone to be welcomed to campus.

Bang for the buck

bc is an expensive school, but you get what you pay for: a great education. bc is pretty good about giving financial assistance to those who qualify for it.

What to do for fun

bc is located about 10-15 minutes from downtown boston, so there are many things to do. you can take the bc shuttle, a taxi, the subway or the bus to get anywhere and all modes of transportation are close to campus. there are a lot of events on campus, like concerts and movies, but many people like to go off campus for dinner and meeting their friends who go to other boston schools.

Food and Dining

the food here is better than most campuses, as far as i know. there are 11 different locations on campus where you can eat, and many others in the surrounding area. bc caters to all cultures, preferences, and needs.

Dorm Life

there are many different dorming options here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 or 9 person options are available on campus. there are a ton of dorms and most people enrolled here live on campus. there are also several places close by where you can live off campus if you choose.

Academic Rigor

the classes at bc tend to be on the challenging side because it is such an accredited university with a number of highly ranked students and faculty. but, there are many classes that are less challenging and more fun, if you choose to take a class solely for interest. there are also many places on campus to go for free tutoring and academic help.

Tips for prospective students

there are a lot of stairs at bc, so be prepared for walking around campus in the rain and snow.

In three sentences

bc is a great university that is geared for all types of students. it is a liberal arts university with schools in business, nursings, arts and sciences, and education. everyone at bc is friendly and outgoing, and it is a great choice for a college experience.

Laura from Lincolnshire, IL

BC is great for all types of students! There is such a variety of personalities and activities that there is something for everyone.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved! Transitioning from high school to college is tough, especially if you move far away from home. One of the things that I found most comforting was continuing some of the activities that I did in high school (like playing water polo) and joining some new activities (like having prospective students shadow me in classes). Together, I was able to meet some really nice people and have a place that I felt really comfortable. Keep an open mind! Almost everyone is in the same position that you are. They aren't sure what their major is, they aren't best friends with any one at school and they are trying to make friends. Keeping an open mind and staying positive were two things that really would have helped me through some times I struggled during my freshman year. You don't have to be Catholic! While a large majority of the student body is Catholic, there are students who are not. The core curriculum requires two semesters of theology (a standard in any Jesuit teaching system), but they do not have to be about Catholicism by any means.

Bang for the buck

BC is one of the only schools that I applied to and did not receive financial aid. If you are granted financial aid, I've heard you receive a lot. It is mostly need based (there are some merit scholarships like the Presidential Scholarship, but not many). It is a very expensive school, but the connections that you make and the experience you receive are worth it.

Am enjoying being here

I couldn't ask for anything more in a college. The campus is beautiful (if you haven't visited, you really should), the classes are interesting and the people attending BC come from a variety of backgrounds. One perk about BC that many other schools don't have is the convenience of being in a neighborhood (and having that college campus feel), and yet being so close to a city (Boston is only a few T-stops away). The city of Boston has so much to offer, but at the end of the day it's nice to be at home and not in the city. As a huge hockey fan, I love the way BC really unites around their sports teams (especially hockey). Even if the teams aren't having their best seasons or are down during a game, the entire community (not just the student sections) is cheering them on. This sense of unity and belonging is something that BC really encourages and really promotes from the moment you attend orientation.

Am learning a lot

BC requires a core curriculum, which at first I thought I'd hate. I had all of my AP credits and didn't get to use them for credit, just placement into higher classes as well as get out of some of the core. But the core is something that I actually enjoy. I was able to fill my Arts core with a class titled History of Rock and Roll and Popular Music. It was by far my favorite class I've attended so far. I also thought that having a similar mindset about work going into BC as I did in high school would be okay. I went to a competitive high school, paid attention in class and got good grades. BC is much harder than that, but don't be discouraged. Professors and Teaching Assistants really try to make themselves available to you - use them as a resource!

T from Madison, WI

Those who may need a little help transitioning to college life. Those who would like medium and smaller sized classes. Those who have all their college funds taken care of.

Tips for prospective students

Talk to several people who attend the college before you enroll. There may be things that you would take for granted that a school might not have. Do your best to be well informed by the students themselves. Ask good questions and follow your gut.

Bang for the buck

This school is very expensive, much like the other private schools on the east coast. I thought there should have been more improvements around campus for all the money students spend. It would be nice if all the dorms had air conditioning. Water fountains would be a plus as well. It would be very convenient if more buildings had computers. It would have been nice to not have to carry a laptop consistently. On the other hand, the Rec is free if you want to exercise, and most of the buildings are very well kept. I can only think of a couple that could use a little minor fixing up.

Did enjoy being here

Though I liked the layout and architecture of the campus, my favorite part was being near downtown Boston. I was not a huge fan of the dorm life, and my RA and RD were quite unhelpful with a bad roommate situation. Also, upper campus was not as well kept as lower. Some of the food is great, while most is just okay. They definitely seem to bring out all the bells and whistles for when the parents are around. On a brighter note, I would highly recommend visiting the reservoir. It is beautiful and peaceful.

Did learn a lot

I was enrolled in a couple classes that were fantastic, but the others were terrible. My TA who ran my First Year Writing Seminar could not seem to convey what he wanted to see. My Spanish class, although fun and having a teacher who was a sweetheart, taught me nothing more about the language. I had a brilliant professor for Perspectives on the Western Culture, which made the generous amount of reading worth it. I also enjoyed my Intro to Psychology as a Natural Science, however it was much like my Psych class from high school. All in all, I think students here should search around to find information about the classes and professors/TAs before enrolling in the courses; it could make all the difference.

Devon from Mcknight, PA

09/16/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Tips for prospective students

-Join lots of clubs -Study, but not too much -Go into Boston before the weather gets too cold -Go to at least one football and hockey game -Don't be afraid to try new things -Meet professors and go to office hours, those recommendation letters really come in handy later

Bang for the buck

BC is completely worth the high tuition. The classes, numerous on-campus opportunities, not to mention study abroad opportunities, and community feel make BC one of the best schools in the country.

Am enjoying being here

There is truly something for everyone at BC and everyone here is happy to be here. There is large amount of school spirit especially on football Saturdays, but if sports aren't for you there's always plenty to do. There are numerous clubs and student organizations, everything from dance teams and a capella clubs to volunteer programs and politically oriented clubs. It seems that there are comedy shows, dance performances or a capella shows every weekend.

Am learning a lot

One of my favorite parts of BC is the core requirements. Because of these requirements I'm taking classes I might have ignored as they didn't seem particularly interesting to me or weren't in my major, and because of this I would have missed great classes. Some of the classes are challenging, such as my Western Cultural Tradition seminar for the Honors Program, but I feel as though I learned more through those classes than others. Professors are always willing to meet to talk about the class, a paper or even a magazine article you read that had to do with the class.

Seong Seog from Chestnut Hill, MA

Students who'd like to get involved(BC is heavily centered on social justice) and like to play sports.

Tips for prospective students

It's a small school in a semi-isolated area with a predominantly white population. If you're fine with that then this is probably the school for you. Make sure you know before accepting.

Bang for the buck

College is expensive, the tuition keeps going up everywhere and financial aid doesn't.

Am enjoying being here

The social life is adequate, you will find things to do(may it be repetitive at times) and you will find your 'click' soon enough. But it may become an isolation for many people, as it did for me in my freshmen year. Learn to challenge yourself.

Am learning a lot

Boston College's education is without a doubt top notch, of course that depends on the student and which professor he/she wants to take. There are good, bad, and easy professors out there. Many times the qualities overlap, it is up to the student to decide his choice of rigor for some of his classes. But of course there are some courses that will down-right be grueling and challenging, an unavoidable aspect of any college.

-Boston College's athletics are great--especially the hockey team. Definitely go to hockey games. -Join a club, or ten. They're a great chance to meet some people you normally wouldn't see, like upperclassmen or students in other schools (CSOM the business school, or LSOE, the education school, etc). -Don't expect a lot of diversity.

Bang for the buck

One of the downsides of BC is the astronomical costs for just about everything. The tuition itself is one of the highest in the country. The dining plan is more expensive than other schools', and uses the a-la-carte system. The prices for most snack items are probably about a dollar or two more than what you would find at a convenience store, and if you've got a big appetite, you'll burn through your meal plan pretty quickly. It's also located right outside Boston, in one of the safest, and wealthiest, suburbs, which is definitely a plus in terms of atmosphere, but causes the expenditures to rise--Boston's not cheap, and with BC's location and the T's schedule, you might end up paying a bit more for transportation. With that said, there are plenty of occasions to get some free swag, if you're willing to trek to the events, which in the brutal winter is hard to do.

Am enjoying being here

The campus is pretty homogeneous in terms of the types of people you'll meet. In terms of race, the majority of the student body is Caucasian, which is not to say that there aren't representatives of each minority group. Also, most of the students are really nice, and none are intolerant. Everyone's accepting and it's rare to experience any kind of racial discrimination. As for socioeconomic status, probably about 3/4 or more of the students are from middle to upper-middle class families. Many college guides reference BC's preppy style of dress, which for the most part is pretty accurate--girls will wear leggings with a button-down shirt, usually from J.Crew or Madewell, carry Longchamp bags, and wear either Sperry's (boatshoes), boots, or Hunter rainboots, depending on the weather. The guys usually dress in bro style, with pastel-colored khakis and a polo, also from J.Crew. There are of course some alternative styles around campus, but if you're looking for a lot of diversity, it's no NYU--you should try somewhere else. Other than that, BC's a lot of applicants' first-choice, and for everyone else, even if it was their last choice, it grows on you.

Am learning a lot

Boston College, while not as well-known for its academic rigor as for its hockey team, is definitely not a slacker school. Most of the students here are very motivated, especially the students in the special programs, of which there are many. As a fortunate member of the Boston College Arts and Sciences Honors Program, I have the privilege of taking a seminar class with a very good student-to-teacher ratio. The class is usually capped at around 14 or so students, with one professor. The program introduces some of the most important works of literature and philosophy, and the discussions that they inspire are truly enlightening. Overall, the professors at Boston College are very passionate about their fields, though this may vary depending on the department. Most classes are taught by professors and not T.A.s or grad students, which is definitely a plus. If you're willing, your professors will be more than happy to make time for one-on-one meetings after class. They're eager to help facilitate the learning process, and one of BC's objectives is to continue the conversation started in the classroom. The beautiful campus boasts a variety of different places to study, and whether you prefer complete and total silence or a bustling cafe, you'll find it at BC.

Rachel

Make sure you visit the school, stay over, and say could I see myself here? Do these people seem like ones who I would want to surround myself with?

Bang for the buck

BC's pretty expensive! That said, it has a great reputation and BC networking is all over the globe. In Boston, especially, a BC diploma beats out that of Harvard. You can count on having a job after college if you graduate from Boston College.

Am enjoying being here

BC is awesome! After having been here for one year, I love it. There is so much school pride and everyone is extremely involved. Pretty much everyone I know is involved in at least one extracurricular activity. There is so much to do, and you're 15 minutes away from Boston! Newton (Chestnut Hill) is a beautiful, safe area.

Am learning a lot

The professors at BC know what they're talking about. They involve students in their everyday classes and care about you as an individual. Though there is an extensive core curriculum, it gives you a rounded education. There are so many classes to choose from and it gives you the opportunity to explore the areas you are interested in.

Carlos from West New York, NJ

06/19/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Tips for prospective students

Strong academics is obviously a must, but that does not mean you have to be perfect. In addition to academics, Boston College searches for people who they believe will help make a difference in the upcoming future. Students who are passionate and driven to accomplish goals they set are looked upon favorably. Students who demonstrate strong leadership skills and overall good willed characteristics help paint the picture of not just a student, but a human being.

Bang for the buck

This school is most definitely expensive and it will meet your estimated need one hundred percent. The problem with that is that sometimes what they believe your need to be and what you think you need do not always match up. However, it is definitely possible to ask for more aid by presenting your case. At times it may be difficult to get your point across and at other times some workers are more easy to talk with. If you are able to afford or secure enough to get you here then it will be worth your investment.

Am enjoying being here

Boston College is not the biggest school out there, but there are quite a number of students on campus. Boasting just over nine thousand students you will definitely find students who you are both compatible with and those who you would rather stay away from. This is standard however, and one must be able to keep an open mind towards others without necessarily sacrificing their own beliefs and morals. For some it will take some time before they find their niche and for others it will be almost instantly; bottom line: you're not going to find something enjoyable if you don't search for it.

Am learning a lot

Boston College is a university that is respected and known for its students' strong academic profile and drive. It is an environment where students from all over the nation and different countries come to not only study but learn about themselves and others around them. Whatever your passion is whether it be pursuing the physical sciences to expressing yourself within the humanities and everything in between, Boston College will help you get there. The number of opportunities seem endless.

FELICIA from Lynn, MA

Michael from Glen Head, NY

04/03/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

The typical student from Boston College is blond and blue-eyed from a middle to upper class family that reside in more of the affleunt communities of the U.S. Boston College students are from all over the US and the world! Nevertheless, I didn't realize how many New Yorkers and Bostonians are at the school until the annual Yankees vs. Red Sox baseball league showdown! Talk about a rowdy rivalry! It's all in good fun, though (go Yankees!).

Tips for prospective students

I would say that if you are a high school student who has traditionally performed well academically and has enjoyed a bit of cultural exposure and some of the finer things in life, then you will probably love BC. I found that most prep school students like myself loved BC. Nevertheless, it is academically challenging for everyone regardless of your public or private school background. If you know yourself and have confidence, then you will do well and enjoy your time at BC. I know I did! BC is an undercover jock school because we are very big in the football, basketball, and hockey arenas. However, it is a school that mainly focuses on producing well-rounded, educated people and professionals. If you like the Jesuit mission of service for others and the quest for intellectual advancement, then BC is the place for you. It's not too big and it's not so small, so you'll never get lost in the crowd or become isolated (unless you want to). The student that is not outgoing, hates sports, is not a fan of Catholicism or the Jesuit way, hates extremely cold and wet weather (wind & snow), is an atheist, looking for a school of more or less than 9,000 students, and/or wants to be surrounded by a great amount of

Bang for the buck

Unfortunately, getting a college education is expensive. Like most prestigious institutions, associated fees and tuition costs have only risen. However, i would say that if you are going to spend the money for an education, you might as well do it right the first time and pay. It's definitely not cheap, as tuition has run upwards of 50k per year, but you definitely get what you pay for, because having a degree from Boston College will only play to your advantage in the future.

Am enjoying being here

I chose BC because I wanted a school with strong academics and good student community. The big football, basketball, and hockey teams truly do foster this extreme comradery, especially when everyone comes together for Saturday Tailgates. BC is also beautiful and has easy access to the city of Boston. Therefore, there is nothing better than being a student at BC with access to the biggest college town in the world.

Am learning a lot

BC is a very good institution. It is world renowned and taught by some of the best professors in the country. BC has a core curriculum which is required for all undergraduate students. This forces students to become more well-rounded and appreciate a much diversified experience through learning about subjects in which students might otherwise have not taken.

Maxine from Randolph, MA

03/09/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Tips for prospective students

It's a good idea to come out and visit Boston College if you're truly interested in coming here. It would give you opportunity to see and feel how spectacular the campus design is. Also visiting is a great opportunity to meet faculty and staff, and current students, in order to learn about activities and campus life. Visiting Boston College helped me to commit there.

Bang for the buck

BC is very expensive, so it's best to treat going here as an investment. This will be cliche, but you can only get out of BC what you put into it, and believe me it has much to offer. Frankly, if you do not like the idea of putting hard work into your studies or contributing to the school in any sort a way, it may be a better idea to save your money and go somewhere where the saying isn't: To set the world aflame.

Am enjoying being here

BC is the place for me. It is a large campus that emphasizes the importance of community, so you rarely feel out of place or forgotten about among the crowd. BC offers an organization or club for everything from knitting to inter-mural sports.

Academic Rigor

At Boston College the professors love what they do. This fact alone makes the classroom a more enjoyable experience. Most teachers and professors also go above in trying to provide help and resources to students. Many are open to communication outside of class, such as one-on-one conferences, meeting during office hours, and e-mails. There is also the Conner's Learning Center which offers free tutoring and a variety of subject matter.

Aoife from San Francisco, CA

03/07/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

BC is a great school for students interested in any major, any field, any activities, and any type of social life. The one distinction I have to point out is the social justice focus. BC emphasizes leadership and service. If you're interested in integrating these values into your career or simply your life, BC is a great choice for you!

Tips for prospective students

I advise all prospective students to visit campus! There is nothing like feeling the atmosphere of the university first-hand. That is truly what made the final decision for many students. I volunteer for the Student Admission Program. You can contact the office and ask for a student to email you so you can ask questions and receive answers from a current student's perspective. Good luck! It seems daunting but you will make the right decision!

Bang for the buck

BC is a private school which means it is expensive. It is approximately $50,000 annually. BC has great financial aid and will meet any students needs 100%. Their belief is that if you're a qualified candidate, finances should not interfere with your attendance. Students have the best of every aspect of college life. For after college, our career center is amazing and students have hardly been affected by the recession in respect to obtaining jobs or being admitted to the graduate schools of their choice. BC is definitely worth the money; the experience as well as the results after college.

Am enjoying being here

BC has an amazing balance of academics, extra curricular activities, and social life. BC students are intelligent and enjoy learning. They enjoy being active in activities outside of the classroom. A distinction from other tier one universities is that BC students also love to have incredibly active social lives. There is a generally happy atmosphere at BC. Everyone says hello with a smile and even when you're ten feet behind someone, they hold the door open for you, and of course you do the same for the next person. Sports, especially hockey and football, are huge at BC. Football saturdays during the fall are filled with tailgating in the sun and cheering on a normally great team. There is no aspect of college life that is lacking at BC; we have great academics, great social life, great activities, and a great location(being right outside of Boston in a very ideal town but simply a 30 minute T ride into the center of the city.) Although, we do not have greek life, the social life is not sacrificed at all. Students absolutely enjoy themselves. For students who do not want the typical college partying scene, BC provides non-alcohol related events every Friday and Saturday that many students attend. There is something for everyone.

Am learning a lot

BC has a core curriculum required for all undergraduates. At first glance, it may seem overwhelming but I assure you that now, as a second semester sophomore, I am so incredibly grateful for the core. As a student, unless you place out through AP scores, you are required to take courses in history, science, fine arts, cultural diversity, theology, philosophy, social sciences, foreign language and math. BC is a Catholic, Jesuit school, but the Theology courses can focus on Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and more. The core history classes also include a wide range of topics from European history to Asian history. The professors are so well educated and have such interesting focuses that your core classes and beyond, as a student, you're able to gain a lot from ANY class at BC. Of course, like any other school, in regards to professors we have our duds but this is something that is very rare at BC. As a Jesuit university, BC is very focused on truly educating its students, not simply filing students through their four years. Social justice is a main theme incorporated into all departments and students are truly taught to think critically -- a reason that BC grads are so successful. Students learn inside and outside of the classroom. The BC atmosphere contains so many intelligent people will so many strong passions, the learning never ceases.

The biggest tip I have for prospective students is to be involved in high school. And though grades and test scores do matter, being well rounded or dedicated to specific extra circulars will go a long way when you are being considered for admission. Tour BC, but also if you get a chance, talk with a current student outside of the admissions volunteers. That is the best way to find out the truth about BC, or any school in fact. BC is a catholic jesuit college, but religion is only a part of BC if you make it a part. Many people practice other religions, if they practice at all, here. The best part of BC in my opinion are the libraries, especially Bapst. BC is stereotyped as a rich, white kid, preppy college. Although this is not true for everyone attending BC, there are many students who do fit this profile.

Bang for the buck

BC is very expensive. I have heard mixed reviews on BC's financial aid. Some people I know received a lot from BC where as others received none. Some believe that the prestige of this college is worth +$55,000 a year, I personally don't

Am enjoying being here

BC is located in Chestnut Hill which is a suburb right out side of Boston, which means that we have the best of both worlds. Getting into the city is extremely easy and accessible, but we are out of the of the city. BC does not have greek life which means that all partying that happens at BC is either in the senior mods or in off campus houses. BC is a big drinking school. Although some people don't chose to participate in it, it is defiantly a large part of the culture here. The school does a good job of offering events on weekends for students to participate in although usually they aren't well attended. There is a good amount of school spirit here, with football and hockey games being well attended.

Am learning a lot

No doubt, BC has great academics. All of my classes that I have had here have been worth while. You need to put in the work to get good grades, but As are easily possible if you're willing to study and stay on top of you work.

Peter from Glastonbury, CT

01/09/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

5 out of 5 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

The students who will especially thrive at Boston College are those who aren't looking to become simply a better mathematician or economist or philosopher, but a more educated and profoundly fuller person. Boston College does not just train you for a job, but teaches you how to find what you love to do, and how you can use your talents and passions to make the world a better place. Any student who wants to find out how to live his or her life to the fullest need look no further than Boston College.

Tips for prospective students

Though the core curriculum is full of very interesting classes, some of the best ones do not fulfill core requirements. Don't miss out on courses like Courage to Know just because you want to get all your core out of the way. Courage to Know is a discussion-based course open exclusively to freshmen. In this class, you will discuss very profound and interesting topics with both the professor and two senior TA's. This isn't some out-there, hypothetical philosophy course; this is a class specifically tailored to your experience as a college freshman. My professor, Dr. Braman, was quite an amazing teacher and also served as an extremely helpful academic advisor. (He also teaches a course based on texts such as Plato, Aristotle, and the Bible called Perspectives that helps give students a firm basis in the formative literature and philosophies of the Western World. This is an intensive, full-year course that will fulfill four core requirements.) So, make sure to check out the courses you might otherwise miss out on if you're too focused on just getting core out of the way, and look for a great advisor who can help set you up for a great second semester and sophomore year!

Bang for the buck

A Boston College education does come with a pretty staggering price-tag. However, I really couldn't imagine any other school being so perfect for me. The Financial Aid office does offer very attractive packages. Many of my friends supplement this aid with on-campus jobs and find no trouble balancing work with their studies.

Am enjoying being here

I can't imagine a better place for me. Boston College and Newton Campus (where about 1/2 the freshmen, including me, live) are nestled in quiet suburbs of Boston, so we have a very safe, comfortable atmosphere. Still, all the city has to offer is only a short ride on the T away. The social atmosphere is excellent, too. Boston College students are exceptionally intelligent, interesting, and friendly.

Am learning a lot

At the beginning of my college search, I thought I'd prefer a school with an open curriculum rather than jump through the hoops of a core curriculum. I thought an open curriculum would let me study exactly what was right for me and that required courses would just bog me down. I could not have been more wrong. The core curriculum at Boston College is helping me expand my horizons. Asian history has always been a topic I've been interested in, but never got the chance to learn much about. If I had no reason to take a history course, I might never have considered taking Asia in the World, an important study that will help me gain a fuller perspective on the modern world.

Paul from Coral Springs, FL

09/01/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

5 out of 8 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Preppie Northerners.

Tips for prospective students

If you're used to Northern climates, you're absolutely positive a liberal arts education is right for you and you can afford their expensive tuition, Boston College is right for you. Be aware that the populace is relatively monotonous, and there is a very widespread drinking culture established throughout the campus. Most students aren't interested in anything in particular, but they do occasionally rally for an esoteric social cause. If you have hobbies that don't involve exercising or drinking, you'll be hard pressed to find others interested in the same things as you.

Bang for the buck

Boston College is rather generous with financial aid, but like most schools, tuition increases every year. Tuition at BC has increased almost $10k from the time I was a freshman until now. Be prepared to cover the gap between any financial aid awarded your first year and subsequent years. Also, if you're the industrious or entrepreneurial type, owning a business, even a very small one, will severely damage your financial aid award.

Am enjoying being here

I'm a very technical person and Boston College has little to offer students like myself. If you're even slightly interested in engineering, computers or other areas of technology, look elsewhere. There are only a few, very well hidden areas on campus for people who like to work with their hands and build things. These areas are closed to students as their purpose is to serve the faculty and researchers.

Am learning a lot

While the core curriculum is intensive and comprehensive, the classes eligible for satisfying core requirements are too basic to be of any academic merit. Many higher level classes can be quite interesting and academically rigorous. Be aware that most classes here place an emphasis on skills useful for graduate school, not necessarily your career.

Andrea from Lake Forest, CA

08/17/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

25 out of 25 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

If you are a student looking for a school that has it all, look no further. BC has an inviting atmosphere with a friendly, considerate, well-rounded student body, and of course top rate academics. While BC is a Jesuit university, it is not necessary to be Catholic to attend. In fact, BC is very aware that is important to have a diverse student body, and it welcomes students of all backgrounds. Apart from the core philosophy and theology courses there are no compulsory religious requirements once on campus, and it is possible to be unaware of the schools religious affiliation. On the other hand, students looking for a religious culture will not be disappointed. Campus ministry is very active and has a number or resources waiting to be tapped in to. Sports fans will not be disappointed with the variety of NCAA division I sports such as football, hockey, and basketball. Another note of interest is that BC has no Greek life. Nevertheless, students have a “work hard, play hard” mentality. Weekends are always bustling and there is never a loss for fun on campus or in Boston. Academically, BC offers a variety of majors and is well known for nursing, education, and business. Science and pre-medical classes are also very desired, as well as political science, English, and communications. Regardless of majors, however, BC students walk away with a fantastic liberal arts education.

Tips for prospective students

Strong academics are a must, of course, but BC recognizes there is more to a student than grades and tests. It is important to show extracurricular including sports and clubs, and it is especially important to show community involvement. There is not a student at BC that is not involved in the school or Boston community in some way, which is what makes the school so special and enriching. Use as essay to describe in detail a high school activity. It shows admissions that you truly cared about the activity and that you would be interested in continuing it at BC, not just because it would look good on your resume. It is also important to research the school well. What academics does BC have that you are particularly interested in? Are you looking for a certain type of community that exists at BC? For any school, it is important to address why you want that specific school in one of your essays or somewhere in your application. Once you are accepted, get involved early. Activities are the best way to make friends and feel like part of the community. Do not limit yourself to one activity either. Try new things until you find the one that is best for you. College is your time to find out what you really want in life, and it is one of the fundamental goals of BC to ensure you do just that.

Bang for the buck

BC is a private school, but it can be affordable. Financial aid is need-based, and BC works hard to make sure it can support its students who are in financial need and gives generous scholarships to more than half the student population. The food is much better than most campuses, where fast food or buffets are the norm. Housing for freshmen can be cramped depending on the dorm, but upperclassmen housing is typically four to eight person suites. With any school, housing is usually another area of frustration, but because so many students live on campus, the campus life is engaging and fosters a close-knit student community despite the moderately large size of the school. There is always something happening every night, be it a student art gallery, A Capella showcases, cultural celebrations, sports games, guest speakers, panel discussions, dances, comedy, ice skating, etc. The sports recreation facility has long hours and free classes ranging from spinning and water jogging to yoga and many others. There are a number of computer labs around campus in addition to the library, and there are a number of quite and private study spaces around campus. The campus itself is gorgeous, and while climbing the staircases every day from lower to upper campus can be tiring, the grounds are always well maintained and worth the view.

Am enjoying being here

Located close to Boston, BC is the perfect combination of an urban and suburban school. BC is a top rated service oriented college in the nation, and students are involved both on campus and in the community. The sports culture is a social highlight, be it attending NCAA division I football or hockey games, or participating in intramurals. Performing arts groups on campus are as talented as they are varied, and there are always prominent speakers visiting the school to give lectures. It is hard to tear apart form the thriving BC culture and beautiful campus, but all students make time to explore the myriad of activities found in Boston to which transportation is cheap and easy. Many also take advantage of the study abroad opportunities BC offers, varying from immersion trips to yearlong programs. Students live on campus a minimum of three years, almost all returning senior year. There are ample dining halls and study space around campus with good food and comfortable couches. BC utilizes technology effectively; is Website is very helpful and informative, and there are numerous groups on Facebook promoting campus events and ways to get involved.

Am learning a lot

BC lives up to its Jesuit ideal in offering a well rounded, liberal arts experience. Small class sizes and engaging professors are essential parts of all classes. BC accepts a great deal of AP and SAT II credits, exempt students from less interesting core classes and freeing space for electives. As with any college, class scheduling can be tricky, but there are numerous resources to help, from teacher advisers, to the Learning to Learn Center, and for freshmen, the Office of First Year Experience. There are also many opportunities to meet in casual settings with professors form different departments and professionals in different fields to learn about career choices. BC also frequently attracts prominent speakers who give engaging and interesting lectures.

Brendan from Clarksburg, NJ

08/08/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

11 out of 11 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

This school is great for any type of student. If you're an athlete, the NCAA Division I athletics, club, and intramural sports are perfect. If you're intellectually driven, the Honors Program should challenge. If you're socially outgoing or introverted, you'll meet new people and make new friends.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved early on and stay involved. Joining an extracurricular activity is the best way to meet friends and explore something you don't have time to in class. Take up a hobby or take up a cause, student groups help you to find your niche and have fun. And if at first something doesn't work out, try something else. You will only regret the stone you leave unturned.

Bang for the buck

Tuition stands at over $54,000 a year, making Boston College one of the pricier institutions of higher education. But the university goes to great lengths to provide ample financial assistance to students in need. This year, in light of the recession, the administration cut operating costs to give even more grants and scholarships. The invaluable learning and life-long friends made here are near priceless in comparison to the school's price-tag.

Am enjoying being here

Boston College has a fantastic student life. It's close to Boston, but not too close, bridging the gap between a quiet, suburban neighborhood and the city's energy. Transportation is inexpensive and efficient, granting students access to the city's museums, internship opportunities, and happening night-life. But leaving the campus is not necessary to relax and have fun. Dorms are spacious, clean, and are all within close proximity of a dining hall, which are open until 2 a.m. on weekends. The food is superb and most students have ample resources on their meal plan to dig in or pig out. Football, basketball, and hockey games are a blast to watch (especially when BC beats Notre Dame). NCAA Division I athletics, club and intramural sports, hundreds of student clubs and activities, plays, concerts, and visiting lectures are all great ways to stay involved. While the university does not allow fraternities or sororities, there is still an active party atmosphere for upperclassmen of the legal drinking age. With all the extracurricular activities and welcoming student body, there is little pressure or need to drink. The university's Jesuit heritage makes it an attractive campus for Catholic students, but the religious persuasion is not at all in-your-face, leaving plenty of space for the religious beliefs of every student.

Am learning a lot

While many schools have adopted a looser curriculum, Boston College's core requirements ensure that every student receives the foundations of a liberal arts education. While courses outside of one's major may not be the most interesting, being open to different subjects fosters a fuller, more enriching experience. Having to fulfill core requirements does not preclude one from experimenting with the plethora of electives and graduate-level classes. Professors are accommodating and flexible when a student needs to make up an exam or wants extra help. Computer labs, tutoring, study groups, and online resources bolster learning from day one to finals. The only drawback lies in scheduling - though such problems exist at other institutions, BC's outdated registration system and confusing override method (where students can join a class even after it's full) hamper an otherwise sterling academic environment.

Nina from Miami, FL

07/17/2009

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

6 out of 11 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

You will love it here if: -you like the suburbs, downtown Boston commute is a 10 minute car ride -love the gothic building type look, very old-fashioned, but a pretty campus -love reading -religious -athletic

Tips for prospective students

no matter what major you choose, all the CORE classes are the same, so you may end up changing your major and find out what you're passionate about! know how to write your essay and dont forget about the extracurriculars!

Bang for the buck

a bit expensive, but they will help in financial aid

Will enjoy being here

EVERYONE is super nice & friendly people here know how to study and to have fun

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